Real Madrid reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Franck Kessie, who has joined Barcelona as a free agent this summer.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid were offered the chance to sign Franck Kessie on a free transfer this summer but turned down the opportunity. The 25-year-old has eventually signed for Los Blancos’ arch-rivals Barcelona in a Bosman deal.
Kessie had been a man in demand since last summer when he entered the final year of his contract with AC Milan. The 25-year-old Ivorian was being chased by several top clubs in Europe while the Rossoneri themselves were intent on prolonging his stay at San Siro.
Ultimately, though, Milan were unsuccessful in their endeavours, as Kessie departed the club as a free agent after helping them win the Serie A title. The 25-year-old had reached an agreement with Barcelona a few months ago, with the La Liga giants making his signing official this past weekend.
However, it could have all turned out much different for Kessie, as he was also offered to Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid, as per the report. The reigning Spanish and European champions were also in the market for midfield reinforcements and had been looking at several names, with Kessie being one among them.
? Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper
? Ready to goo! pic.twitter.com/r1Sz3x1od6— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 6, 2022
The report states that Real Madrid were offered Kessie’s services on multiple occasions. However, they decided to look away from the former AC Milan star and focused their attention on younger alternatives in the form of Ryan Gravenberch and Aurelien Tchouameni. And eventually, Los Merengues ended up landing the latter from AS Monaco in a deal worth around €100 million, with Gravenberch joining Bayern Munich.
As for Kessie, he will now line up in the opposite half of the El Clasico rivalry. The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Barcelona running until the summer of 2026. The deal also has an enormous €500 million release clause embedded in it.
Along with Kessie, Barcelona have also confirmed the acquisition of Andreas Christensen on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea expired. Meanwhile, the Danish international’s ex-Chelsea teammate, Antonio Rudiger, has signed for Real Madrid, also on a Bosman deal.
