According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Franck Kessie, who is wanted by Tottenham and Newcastle, has now signed for Barcelona.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Sport who revealed that Tottenham are interested in signing the Ivory Coast international.
Elsewhere, La Reppublica claimed that Newcastle want Kessie.
Now, however, the Premier League duo have been dealt a blow by Xavi and Barcelona, as the 25-year-old is seemingly heading for the Camp Nou.
Di Marzio believes Kessie has signed a contract which will see him earn €7m-a-year (£5.8m) in Catalonia, which equates to £111,538-a-week.
The Italian journalist even claims that the AC Milan maestro has already undergone a medical with Barcelona.
Kessie becomes a free agent in June, so he moves to Barcelona on a free transfer with no fee heading AC Milan’s way.
Bad news for Tottenham and Newcastle
In our view, Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe won’t be happy about this.
Kessie was arguably the best free transfer on the market this summer, and his £111,538-a-week wages wouldn’t have been a problem for Spurs or the Magpies.
So far this season, the Ivorian has scored six goals in 30 appearances from midfield.
Last term, Kessie netted 14 goals while also providing six assists – when he’s in the mood, there are few better goalscoring midfielders in Europe.
Under Xavi, he is sure to thrive at Barcelona in a midfield also containing Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.
Di Marzio’s news will surely delight supporters in Catalonia, although fans of Tottenham and Newcastle should be devastated.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
