Barcelona’s sporting director took a ’secret trip’ to Milan to close midfielder’s signing

While Barcelona have not yet made any official announcement about new signings, the administration has quickly tied down two transfer targets with a move to the club. Andreas Christensen was the first to be finalized, and the one that followed was Franck Kessie.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Mateu Alemany took an ‘under-the-radar’ trip to Milan on Monday to close the transfer of the AC Milan midfielder.

With personal terms with the player agreed, it is only a matter of time before the official announcement is made.

A key factor in the Ivorian’s transfer was said to be the presence of Xavi Hernandez, who personally convinced the midfielder.

Kessie will join Barcelona on a free transfer after his contract with AC Milan expires in June. The Catalans are said to have proposed a salary of €6.5 million to him, which seems to meet his requirement.

Further, Barça will shell out €10 million in commission fees to his agent, as well.

At Barcelona, the 25-year-old’s role is unclear at the moment. The player is not a direct replacement for Sergio Busquets which makes him an unlikely option to play as the pivot.

If he were to play as an interior, he will face competition from established players like Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Nico Gonzalez.

In 22 Serie A games this season, Kessie has scored five goals. He averages one key pass in every game and has created one big chance.

Defensively too, he has proved to be reliable in Stefano Pioli’s setup. He records close to 1.5 tackles, an interception and a clearance per ninety whilst also winning four duels.