Tottenham are plotting a summer swoop for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie.
The Ivory Coast international, 26, international joined Barcelona on a free transfer from AC Milan last summer. It felt like a big coup as he had played a huge part in AC Milan winning the Scudetto the season before. However, the central midfielder has been a peripheral figure at Barcelona this season, starting just four La Liga games.
Overall, Franck Kessie has made 28 appearances across all competitions and part of his enjoying more game time in recent weeks has been due to Pedri’s injury absence. Regardless of not being a regular starter under Xavi Hernandez at Camp Nou, the 26-year-old’s situation has not detracted potential suitors, including Tottenham, Aston Villa and Inter Milan.
Tottenham have reportedly revived their interest in Kessie from the January transfer window, and a summer approach appears very much on the cards. And if the right offer arrives, he could leave the Catalan club after just one season.
Antonio Conte plans to sign a central midfielder
Tottenham are likely to enter the summer market for midfield reinforcements as manager Antonio Conte is not happy with the performances of his current first-team options. Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has been the only midfielder with consistent displays since the start of the campaign. Rodrigo Bentancur as well deserves praise, but his long-term injury has provided Spurs with a big blow while Yves Bissouma has struggled to nail down his place in the starting XI since his move from Brighton last summer.
Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr are very young and need time to develop, so it’s no surprise Antonio Conte is prioritising signing a central midfielder.
Franck Kessie could enhance Spurs’ quality in the midfield
It is clear Spurs desperately need more quality in the middle of the park, Franck Kessie could be a valuable addition to their squad.
Kessie’s first season with Barcelona so far hasn’t gone according to plan, with the midfielder finding himself behind the likes of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Gavi in the pecking order. While he is starting games of late, the 26-year-old’s long-term future at the Spanish club certainly remains in doubt.
The 26-year-old is a quality player who can play anywhere across the middle of the park. Kessie’s physical frame, coupled with his aggression, tenacity and passing range should enhance Spurs’ quality in midfield. He has what it takes to excel in the Premier League and will fit in well alongside Hojbjerg in the Spurs engine room.
Considering all this, Tottenham must try signing Kessie from Barcelona in the summer as he has the qualities to thrive under Conte.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.