Renewal in the Balance
Al-Ahli Jeddah’s management has decided to renew midfielder Frank Kessi’s contract for an additional period, though this does not automatically guarantee he will remain beyond the current season.
Kessi’s Ivory Coast contract ends at the end of the season, allowing him to sign with any club during the winter transfer window and potentially move on a free in the summer of 2026.
The Road Ahead
The Saudi newspaper Al-Yawm reported that renewing Kessi is being considered because he is a core pillar of the team.
However, renewal does not guarantee staying beyond the current season; the club will evaluate him in the coming months before deciding whether to keep or sell him.
Kessi has drawn strong interest from Italian clubs, particularly Milan, where he starred for several seasons and nearly moved last summer; negotiations did not reach a conclusion.
Kessi’s agent is expected to be at the club in the coming days to negotiate and finalize terms.
Since arriving in 2023 from Barcelona, the Ivorian has been a key midfield figure for Al-Ahli and has captained the midfield in important campaigns, contributing to the club’s success in recent seasons.
He helped guide the team to win the Elite Asian Champions League last season, marking a historic triumph, and scored both the opening and closing goals in that competition, underscoring his influence in attack and leadership.
Last season his league numbers were not as luminous as his current form, with four goals and five assists in 44 appearances.
The coach trusts him to carry out multiple duties, balancing defense and attack, and acting as a vital link in build-up play.
Physically robust and capable of holding the ball against tough opponents, Kessi also contributes on set-pieces and long-range shooting, making him an additional threat for rivals.
Beyond his technical qualities, Kessi has emerged as a leader within the squad, drawing on experience from Milan and Barcelona to inspire teammates.
With Kessi in the side, Al-Ahli has become more cohesive in the midfield and more capable of imposing their style in big matches, reinforcing his status as a key piece in the club's project to regain top standing in Saudi football.
Punchline 1: If contract renewals came with a sniper’s scope, Kessi’s deal would be locked on the bullseye—midfield magic with zero recoil.
Punchline 2: If they actually sell him, the transfer window will turn into a soap opera titled "The Ball That Couldn't Be Replaced."
