Kessie wants Serie A return amid Roma links

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 10:19 AM ET

Franck Kessie is reportedly keen to return to Serie A, amid rumours linking the former Milan midfielder with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma.

According to what has been reported by the Gazzetta dello Sport, via MilanNews24, the 28-year-old is ready to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli and wants to reunite with his former coach Gasperini in Giallorossi colours.

Gasperini and Kessie worked together at Atalanta and the reports suggest that the Ivorian is open to taking a pay cut in order to return to Italy’s top flight.

Kessie to Roma? The details

Kessie currently earns a reported wage of €12 million per season but is willing to reduce this for Roma.

The reports from Italy indicate the major obstacle in the way of a deal is not the transfer fee itself but the Italian club’s need to balance their books in line with Financial Fair Play regulations. The Roman club would first need to offload players in order to finance the €14 million Al-Ahli want for the player.

Therefore, not much progress is expected until the start of July and after the Giallorossi have had the opportunity to make some sales.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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