Franck Kessié set to become a free agent: Galatasaray and Beşiktaş on alert
Franck Kessié’s adventure in Saudi Arabia is reaching its inevitable end. Al-Ahli have decided not to offer a contract extension to the Ivorian midfielder, who has made it clear he does not wish to continue his career in the country. With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, the 29-year-old is on course to become a free agent – a situation that has immediately drawn the attention of Turkish giants Galatasaray and Beşiktaş.
Al-Ahli step back: no new deal for Kessié
Despite arriving in Saudi Arabia as one of the high-profile names lured from Europe, Kessié has struggled to fully settle, both on and off the pitch. According to the latest information around the club, Al-Ahli’s management has made a definitive decision: they will not sit down to negotiate a new contract with the former Barcelona and Milan midfielder.
The key reason is mutual: the club is not pushing to keep him at any cost, and the player himself has made it clear he wants to return to a more competitive European environment. With his deal running out at the end of the current campaign, both sides are preparing for a clean separation.
Ideal market conditions for Turkish clubs
For clubs with limited transfer budgets but big ambitions, a player of Kessié’s profile reaching free agency is a rare opportunity. There will be a signing-on fee and a significant salary involved, but no transfer fee gives Galatasaray and Beşiktaş much more room to be aggressive in negotiations.
Both Istanbul sides have been closely monitoring his situation for months. The fact that the contract runs out, rather than requiring a buyout from Al-Ahli, changes the dynamics of the race completely and opens the door to a serious attempt from Turkey.
Why Galatasaray want Kessié
Galatasaray’s interest is not accidental. The club has been trying to build a midfield that can dominate both in the Süper Lig and in European competitions. Kessié’s profile fits exactly what they are looking for:
– A physically powerful box-to-box midfielder
– High work rate and pressing intensity
– Champions League and top-five league experience
– Ability to contribute both defensively and in build-up
Galatasaray’s recent project has been built around signing players with European pedigree, then integrating them into an attacking, possession-based style. Kessié’s time at Milan and Barcelona makes him particularly attractive in this context. He knows how to operate under tactical discipline, how to manage high-pressure games, and how to handle the expectations of a big club.
Additionally, Galatasaray have often struggled when key midfielders are absent or out of form. A durable, dynamic player like Kessié could become the anchor piece that stabilizes the center of the pitch throughout a long season.
Beşiktaş’s midfield rebuild
On the other side of the city, Beşiktaş are in the middle of restructuring their squad, with central midfield identified as a priority area. Injuries, inconsistency, and frequent coaching changes have made it difficult for them to impose a clear identity in the middle of the park. Kessié is seen as a player who can immediately raise standards.
For Beşiktaş, the appeal is twofold. First, he can provide the physical and defensive presence that has often been missing in transitions and duels. Second, he can offer leadership and experience in a dressing room currently going through change. The club wants a figure who not only improves the team tactically, but also sets a tone in training and on matchdays.
Adding a player with Serie A and La Liga experience would be a strong statement from Beşiktaş: a clear message that they intend to compete at the top again, not just domestically but also in European competitions.
The player’s perspective: what does Kessié want?
While the Turkish clubs are enthusiastic, the final decision will ultimately rest with Kessié and his entourage. His priorities are thought to be:
– Returning to a league with higher visibility and competitiveness
– Playing for a club regularly involved in European tournaments
– Having a central role in the team, not just being part of a rotation
– Securing a financially strong, long-term contract at this stage of his career
On these points, both Galatasaray and Beşiktaş can present compelling projects. Both clubs regularly chase the league title, both are used to European nights, and both have passionate fan bases that can offer the kind of atmosphere players of Kessié’s profile often enjoy.
However, there is also the possibility of interest from other European leagues. Clubs in Italy, Spain, or England could enter the race, and if they do, the financial and sporting competition for his signature will intensify. This is why both Turkish clubs are trying to position themselves early and clearly.
Tactical fit: how Kessié could be used
At Galatasaray, Kessié could operate either as a right-sided number eight in a three-man midfield or as one of the double pivots in a 4-2-3-1. His ball-winning ability and capacity to cover large distances would free up more creative players ahead of him, while his late runs into the box would add another threat in attack.
At Beşiktaş, he would most likely be the physical engine in the center, shielding the defense while also supporting transitions. A coach could build the whole midfield structure around him: pairing him with a deep-lying playmaker or with a more advanced attacking midfielder depending on the chosen system.
In both clubs, his presence would also allow more flexibility in rotating other midfielders, reducing the risk of fatigue and injuries across a long season.
Financial and strategic considerations
Even as a free agent, Kessié will not be cheap. His salary expectations are high, and his representatives will likely request a considerable signing bonus. This means that any club seriously going after him needs to think of him not just as a short-term fix, but as a central figure in a multi-year project.
For Galatasaray, that could mean committing to a midfield built around experienced, battle-tested players, supported by younger talents coming through. For Beşiktaş, it might represent the cornerstone of a new cycle, with Kessié as a leader in a restructured squad.
The Süper Lig’s international profile has risen significantly in recent years, and landing a player of Kessié’s calibre would continue that trend. For the club that wins the race, it would also be a marketing victory, not just a sporting one.
The timing factor
Because his contract expires at the end of the season, the next months will be decisive. Pre-contract agreements are allowed under specific conditions, and Kessié’s camp will likely start formal talks once it is legally and practically feasible. The club that moves fastest, presents the clearest plan, and offers the most convincing financial package will have a major advantage.
Both Galatasaray and Beşiktaş know that hesitation can be costly. If they wait too long, other European contenders could step in with Premier League or Serie A offers that are hard to match in financial terms. Therefore, behind the scenes, scouting reports, financial calculations, and tactical projections are already in motion.
What his signing would mean for the Süper Lig
If Kessié chooses Turkey, it will underline a trend: high-profile players in their prime are increasingly seeing the Süper Lig as a credible platform, not just a late-career destination. His arrival would:
– Increase the league’s international visibility
– Raise the competitive bar in midfield battles
– Encourage other established names to view Turkey as an attractive step
For Galatasaray or Beşiktaş, it could be the transfer that defines a season – or even an era. For Kessié, it would be a chance to regain a central role in a passionate footballing environment, in front of packed stadiums and under constant spotlight.
One thing is clear: as his contract runs down and Al-Ahli stand firm on their decision not to renew, the race for Franck Kessié will only intensify. And in that race, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş are already firmly in the front group, waiting for the moment to make their decisive move.