Liverpool could sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie on a pre-contract agreement in January if he continues to reject offers from the Italians after a new offer was turned down, writes Michael Mongie.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via football.london, the Ivorian has now rejected a fresh offer from Milan and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, his future is shrouded in doubt.
According to Corriere dello Sport back in July, via Paisley Gates, Liverpool were prepared to ‘agree a contract worth seven million euros a year i.e. around £115,000-a-week [€134,000/week].
If that offer still stands, the Reds could make their move in January where they will be able to secure a pre-contract agreement to sign Kessie next summer for free.
AC Milan’s Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie celebrates after scoring a penalty during the Italian Serie A football match AC Milan vs Lazio Rome on April 13, 2019 at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP) (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)
What this means is that Liverpool would essentially be agreeing with the AC Milan star that they will sign him once his terms with the Serie A club expire but they can only legally open talks with him in January.
Of course, clubs break these rules all the time and if there are any talks going on behind the scenes between Liverpool and Kessie, it could add an interesting sub-plot to the Reds’ Champions League clash with the Italians next week.
They’re set to visit Anfield in the Champions League, their first game back in the completion for 8 years which will be an emotional affair without the potential for a transfer saga playing out behind the scenes.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – DECEMBER 20: Frank Kessie of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore on December 20, 2020 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Franck Kessie is arguably the most interesting name linked with Liverpool but would require a massive style change from the Reds purely based on the role he occupies for Stefano Piolo’s side.
Kessie is a defensive midfielder and at 24 years of age, is one of the future best in the role but with Fabinho at Anfield, I’m not convinced he’s needed unless Jurgen Klopp plans to overhaul his style of play or play Kessie as a no.8.
Returning the former AS Monaco star to his preferred no.6 saw Liverpool win 8 out of 10 games in the run-in to finishing third last season and a clean bill of health for Fabinho will be crucial to the Reds reclaiming their Premier League crown.
