Financial deadlock derails Juventus’ chase for Franck Kessie

Why Juventus’ pursuit of Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie has collapsed: the Serie A club moved close to securing the free‑agent on a two‑year contract worth €4.5 million per season plus bonuses, but the deal fell apart after the player rejected the proposed signing‑on fee.

Financial impasse stalls Kessie deal

Juventus offered the Ivorian a two‑year deal at €4.5 million per season with added bonuses, yet the signing‑on fee proved unacceptable. Kessie turned down the terms, creating a rift between the parties and leaving the transfer dead‑locked.

Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Kessie communicated the lack of suitable financial conditions, confirming the deal is definitively off. The midfielder’s rejection underscores the purely financial nature of the collapse.

The failure leaves Juventus with limited certainty in midfield as the window closes. While Douglas Luiz has been involved, his long‑term future is unclear, and Teun Koopmeiners could still depart. Additionally, Khephren Thuram’s injury heightens the need for a new midfield option for Luciano Spalletti.

As a result, Kessie remains a free agent with an uncertain future, and Juventus lose a potential reinforcement in the centre of the park. The club now faces a crucial period to address its midfield deficiencies before the season begins.