Latest news with #FranckKessié
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Transfer market: Franck Kessié set to leave Al-Ahli!
Kessié heading to Europe: Al-Ahli ready to let their Ivorian star go Franck Kessié / @ Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié, a key figure at Saudi club Al-Ahli, is attracting intense interest in the summer transfer window. According to reports from Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, English side Leeds United have made a move to sign the former FC Barcelona and AC Milan player. Kessié heading to Europe: Al-Ahli ready to let their Ivorian star go Already targeted by Fiorentina, who are looking to strengthen their midfield, Kessié now finds himself at the center of a fierce battle between several European clubs. Leeds have entered into direct competition with the Italian club, hoping to convince the player to join the English Championship. The Al-Ahli management, for their part, are said to be open to a transfer, provided a financially satisfactory agreement is reached, particularly regarding the player's annual salary. Despite the interest, 28-year-old Franck Kessié is reportedly leaning towards a return to Serie A, a league where he made a significant impact during his time at AC Milan. For the record, Kessié has made 77 appearances for Al-Ahli over the past two seasons, scoring 14 goals and providing 9 assists. He also played a crucial role in his team's triumph in the AFC Champions League.
Asharq Al-Awsat
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Ahli Crowned New Kings of Asian Champions League Elite
Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli ended a long drought in major tournament triumphs, particularly on the continental stage, by clinching the revamped AFC Elite Champions League title with a historic 2-0 victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday. In a night to remember at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, known as the 'Shining Jewel,' Brazilian forward Galeno and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié scored in a dramatic final that marked a turning point for the Jeddah-based club. Thousands of jubilant Al-Ahli fans turned the stadium into a sea of green, celebrating their team's return to continental glory. The win not only revived memories of past successes for the club, nicknamed the 'Castle of Trophies,' but also gave Saudi football a fresh milestone—securing the first title in the competition's new format. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, crowned Al-Ahli as champions of the new-look AFC Elite Champions League on Saturday night, alongside Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who presented gold medals to the victorious players and silver medals to Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. Al-Ahli entered the final with a star-studded lineup featuring goalkeeper Edouard Mendy; defenders Ali Majrashi, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibañez and Ezgjan Alioski; midfielders Ziyad Al-Juhani, Franck Kessié, and Riyad Mahrez; and an attacking trio of Galeno, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney. The first half unfolded as a tense and tactical affair, with both sides probing cautiously until the 35th minute. Then, Brazilian winger Galeno electrified the home crowd with a clever low strike that broke the deadlock, beating Kawasaki's goalkeeper and swinging momentum decisively in Al-Ahli's favor. Riding the wave of home support, Al-Ahli struck again just seven minutes later. Galeno turned provider with a pinpoint cross that Kessié met with a powerful header to double the lead in the 42nd minute, sending the stadium into raptures. In the second half, Kawasaki came out pressing hard for a comeback, but the Saudi side refused to sit back. Al-Ahli launched a series of quick counterattacks from the wings and through the middle, forcing their Japanese opponents to split focus between defense and attack. Despite Kawasaki's relentless efforts to breach the Saudi backline, Al-Ahli's defense stood firm until the final whistle, sealing a famous night for the Jeddah club and a significant milestone for Saudi football.
