Franck Kessie’s departure from Barcelona has been officially confirmed as he joins Al-Ahli, the Saudi Arabian club.
Despite having joined Barcelona merely a year ago, the Ivorian midfielder has transitioned to Al-Ahli due to his diminished role in the Barcelona squad following the acquisitions of Ilkay Gundogan and former Southampton player Oriol Romeu.
Both clubs have publicly disclosed that Kessie’s transfer carries a price tag of €12.5 million (£11 million or $14 million).
In the previous season, the midfielder participated in 43 matches, predominantly as a substitute.
Kessie is set to join forces with a lineup that includes Roberto Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin, Riyad Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy, all of whom have left the Premier League this summer to join the Saudi Pro League side.
The Ivorian has already undergone a medical examination for Al-Ahli, which took place in Paris as arranged by the club and the player.
However, he is unlikely to be match-ready for Al-Ahli’s Pro League opener against Al Hazem on August 11.