Krishnan Sreekumar
Barcelona close in on deal for AC Milan star Frank Kessie in transfer blow for Manchester United
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Express), Barcelona are stepping up their efforts to land AC Milan star Franck Kessie on a free transfer in the summer, which spells bad news for Manchester United, who are interested in the player.
The Milan man is out of contract at the end of the season, which explains the massive interest Barcelona have for him, given the Spanish club’s financial crunch.
For any club to land a midfielder like Kessie for free would be a steal, given how brilliant he has been in Italy for the Rossoneri over the past few seasons. A seasoned international, he would bring heaps of quality to any side’s midfield.
Barcelona are looking to continue their amazing transfer business from January into the summer as well, having snapped up deals for Adama Traore, Ferran Torres, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. United, on the other hand, did not see any new faces come in through the doors at Old Trafford.
Warming up to Nou Camp
It is no secret that the Red Devils need a midfield general to marshall the troops in the middle of the park. Anyone watching them will tell you that their midfield has been a weak link for years now, and the club has not taken any major steps to address it.
However, despite their interest in the Ivory Coast international, Barcelona seem to hold the advantage in the race to sign Kessie as it is now said that the player is warming to the idea of moving to the Nou Camp.
This news is certain to come as a big blow to United, as the Manchester club may now have to shift their focus to other targets. The Ivorian’s strong and physical presence would have been useful to shore up our midfield, but these hopes seem to be dashed for now.
However, Barcelona have not yet got hold of their man. The AC Milan star is currently engaged in a contract standoff with his club, but if things change in the next few months, Kessie could very well stay in Italy for the next couple of years.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United ace Jadon Sancho identifies three leaders in the squad amid his improved form at the club
- Ajax Amsterdam manager Erik ten Hag has reservations over Manchester United job
- Sporting CP not interested in anything ‘less than €30m’ for João Palhinha amidst links to Manchester United
With Paul Pogba also out of contract in the summer and so far showing no indication to stay on in England, the need for a midfielder is a necessity in the summer. Fred and Scott McTominay have not shown the level of consistency we expect from players who are expected to lead the side to trophies in the coming years.
Barcelona seem to have already made moves months before the end of the season to gain an advantage in snapping up targets in the summer. Perhaps United could learn a lesson or two from the Catalan club, and get the ball rolling for their transfer targets ahead of next season.
