Spurs-linked midfielder plays down talk of summer switch away from current club

Franck Kessie has handed clubs who are potentially interested in signing him a blow after revealing that he wants to remain at Barcelona for the foreseeable future.

Kessie struggled for game time in the first part of the campaign after completing a free transfer to Barcelona last summer but the midfielder has been getting more opportunities for game time over the last few months.

The 26-year-old is still by no means a regular in Xavi Hernandez’s starting eleven when everyone is fit and multiple reports over the past few months have indicated that the Ivorian is on Tottenham’s wishlist for the summer (Fichajes.net).

However, Sport suggested two weeks ago that Spurs might not find it easy to prise Kessie away from Camp Nou and suggested that it might take a ‘very dizzying offer’ to convince the Catalan giants to sell the player.

The former AC Milan player has now broken his silence regarding his future, stating that he wishes to remain at Barca for many years to come.

Kessie said (via Sport): “The idea of leaving never crossed my mind. Never. Neither to me nor to those around me. I have a four-year contract and I’m still in my first year. I am a Barça player and I hope to continue being one for the next few years. I’m totally focused on Barca.”

Sport also revealed in February that Tottenham made an attempt to sign Kessie in during the January window only for the midfielder to turned down the chance to move to N17.

It was reported two clubs ‘probed’ for Kessie but the Ivorian never thought about leaving the Catalan giants ‘for a minute’ as his dream remains to succeed at the club, something which rings true with his latest comments on remaining at the Catalan outfit.

Spurs Web Opinion

With Conte not likely to be in charge of Spurs next season, I do not think the club will finalise any of their transfer targets until they narrow in on their next managerial appointment.

Kessie very much seems like a Conte target and he might not be near the top of the North London club’s wishlist if the Italian departs as expected.

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