Published: March 15, 2022 10:39 pm
Last Updated: March 15, 2022 10:39 pm
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An explanation for why AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is set to join FC Barcelona despite Premier League interest has emerged on Tuesday.
Kessie now looks set to depart AC Milan on a free. The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of June, meaning he can now sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.
Barcelona were seemingly looking to take advantage of this, when it was reported earlier this year that there was a verbal agreement in place between Kessie and Barcelona for when his contract with Milan expires in June.
Those links then seemed to die down, with no official word on a potential deal forthcoming from either camp.
However, Spanish journalist Gerard Romero has reported on Tuesday that Kessie has agreed to join the Catalonian outfit on a free transfer this summer:
Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Franck Kessié on a free transfer from Milan this summer, per @gerardromero pic.twitter.com/g6VoC0L3OU
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 15, 2022
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Why Kessie choose Barcelona over Premier League
Following on from this announcement, Fabrizio Roman has shed some light on the situation and explained why Kessie opted to join La Blaugrana.
As per Romano, Barca boss Xavi Hernandez was key in the negotiations between Kessie and the club.
It is added that the Ivorian is ‘more than excited’ and that he turned down two Premier League bids with a higher salary to make the switch to the Camp Nou.
Xavi Hernández was key in the negotiations for Kessié to Barcelona. Franck’s more than excited – turning down two Premier League bids with higher salary to join Barça. 🔴 #FCB
Contract not signed yet but verbal agreement sealed, as reported by @gerardromero. pic.twitter.com/843Tyqi1Jb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 15, 2022
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