In a recent print edition, Corriere dello Sport revealed that Liverpool are ready to meet AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie’s wage demands to lure him to Anfield when he becomes a free agent next summer. It has been reported that the Reds are willing to pay the Ivory Coast midfield ace Є7m a year to sign him on a free transfer at the end of next season (transcripted and translated by Paisley Gates).
Kessie’s Impressive Numbers In The Italian Top-Flight Last Season
The 24-year-old had one of the best seasons of his young career recently as he managed to put in several influential displays at the heart of the AC Milan midfield. Kessie found the back of the net on 14 occasions and provided six assists in 50 appearances for the Reds in the previous campaign on all fronts.
Kessie established himself as a top performer in central midfield by averaging 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 1.3 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the 2020-21 Serie A season. He was even tidy with his ball distribution after completing 88.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Ivory Coast international’s current contract at San Siro expires in the summer of 2022. Hence, it makes sense for the Reds to wait until the player becomes a free agent next summer before offering him a lucrative, long-term contract to join Jurgen Klopp’s revolution at Anfield.
Will Kessie Be A Good Fit For Liverpool?
Kessie loves to get stuck in with some crunching tackles to make life difficult for the opposition at the centre of the park. He has got good defensive awareness and can pull off a few timely interceptions for his side. The Ivory Coast midfielder also doesn’t take too many risks with his clearances and is usually an excellent passer of the ball.
Last season, Kessie did well to add a lot of goals and assists to his game which goes to show that his career is on an upward trajectory. Hence, he would be a decent signing for Liverpool to consider next summer. At 24, the Serie A star is about to enter his prime, so the Merseyside giants can hope to make the most of his services in the years to come.
The fact that Kessie could be available as a free agent makes him a worthy target for the Reds to pursue at the end of the next season. Plus, he has all the skillset required to succeed in Jurgen Klopp’s system at Anfield. Hence, Kessie will be a good fit for the Reds as long as he can make a smooth transition to Premier League football.
