Leeds United transfer twist emerges amid Franck Kessie bid development
Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign former FC Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
The 28-year-old is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli.
Kessie has made 81 appearances for the Ivory Coast national team and won La Liga with Barcelona in the 2022/23 season and the Serie A with AC Milan in the 2021/22 campaign.
Ben Jacobs denies Leeds’ interest in Kessie
Give Me Sport journalist Ben Jacobs issued an update amid reports of the Elland Road outfit being keen on Kessie.
He claimed that Leeds United are not interested in Kessie despite suggestions of a bid.
The Ivorian has been a regular in the Saudi Pro League, making 30 league appearances last season and playing over 2,500 minutes.
He found the back of the net on two occasions and provided five assists to help his side finish in fifth place.
Leeds United do not need to sign Kessie
Leeds’ recent signings of Stach and Sean Longstaff indicate that acquiring Kessie is unnecessary, as the club already possesses sufficient midfield depth to navigate the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Stach, a dynamic German international, brings versatility, ball-playing ability and physicality, while Longstaff, a proven Premier League midfielder, offers work rate, tactical discipline and experience.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| AC Milan | 223 | 37 | 16 |
| Al-Ahli | 77 | 14 | 9 |
| Barcelona | 43 | 3 | 3 |
| Cesena | 37 | 4 | 2 |
| Atalanta BC | 31 | 7 | 4 |
Alongside existing options like Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka, the Whites have a robust midfield core capable of handling the demands of a 38-game campaign.
Kessie, while a talented box-to-box midfielder, would represent an expensive addition whose skill set overlaps with Stach and Longstaff.
With financial prudence key after promotion, Leeds’ current squad depth, bolstered by these strategic signings, provides the balance and resilience needed to compete effectively in the Premier League without the need for Kessie’s services.
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