​Franck Kessié enjoyed a fruitful period in Serie A with Milan, and now the midfielder could be edging back to Italy, with Juventus emerging as a likely destination. The Old Lady has Ricky Massara serving as sporting director, and Alfredo Pedullà reports that Massara could hold the key to facilitating a possible deal. Massara knew the Ivorian well during his time at Milan, and his close ties could prove instrumental in engineering a transfer. He also has a strong relationship with Kessié’s agent, a factor that reportedly did not hold the same weight with former intermediaries Damien Comolli or Cristiano Guintoli.
Juventus did initiate talks with Kessié’s camp back in January, but those discussions occurred under a different management structure. The landscape has since shifted, and it remains to be seen whether Kessié would be receptive to a move to Juve and to Serie A once again. Massara’s potential influence could be significant in this scenario, given his previous attempts to sign Kessié during his time at Roma. His longstanding connections within the player’s circle and his familiarity with the midfielder’s profile place him in a position to advocate for a transfer if the terms align.
The situation is fluid, and several factors will determine whether a move materializes. Kessié’s willingness to return to Italian football, the financial and sporting outlook of Juventus, and the level of interest from other clubs will all play parts in the negotiating process. Massara’s involvement could help bridge any gaps between Kessié’s expectations and Juventus’ plan, especially if he leverages his rapport with the player’s representatives and his knowledge of what Kessié values in a club. While Massara’s influence is not a certainty, his previous attempts to secure Kessié’s signature and his established connections could tip the balance in Juve’s favor if the terms are right.
In a broader sense, this potential reunion would mark a notable chapter in Kessié’s career, offering him the chance to showcase his talents in Serie A once more, and giving Juventus a veteran midfielder with experience and quality. The coming weeks will be telling as talks resume and more concrete proposals emerge. If Massara can successfully champion the project and persuade Kessié that Juventus can offer the right platform for his ambitions, the deal could move from rumor to reality, reuniting the player with Italian football under the banner of a club that has long pursued him. Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN