Fifteen years after Yaya Toure had become a Barcelona player, another Ivorian central midfielder arrived to Camp Nou. Franck Kessie has now officially been confirmed as a Blaugrana player, having joined on a four-year contract.The former Atalanta player arrives as a free agent after his AC Milan contract ended without the Ouragahio-born star reaching a new agreement with the Rossoneri. Kessie will be presented to the press at Camp Nou on Wednesday.Kessie built up a sterling reputation as one of the top midfielders in Italy over the last three years, taking his game to the next level after a permanent move to Milan from Atalanta in 2019. Speculation over the 25-year-old’s future had been raging as he approached the final few months of his contract at San Siro, and Barca have now won the race for his signature.Yaya Toure: Kessie is a physical midfielder and I think he can improve in other aspects. He is a great player and if he gets the confidence he got in Milan he will be a great signing. I also told him to prepare for the tough competition in Barcelona because he has to compete. pic.twitter.com/iiFqpl3DlV— The Football Index 🎙 ⚽ (@TheFootballInd) July 4, 2022 According to reports in Italy, Kessie will earn $6.8 million per year – with potential bonuses and add-ons inserted into his contract.The midfielder started his career at Stella Club d’Adjame in his homeland before moving to Italy in 2014 to sign for Atalanta. He played in the youth teams in Bergamo and made his professional debut on loan at Cesena. The Ivorian played in midfield and at centre back for the Emilia Romagna club and impressed enough for new Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini to bring him back to Bergamo with Kessie gradually became an important first-teamer.Wednesday, 03.30: (2.10) Boca Juniors (3.10) Corinthians (3.90)He moved to Milan and played there for five seasons, winning the Scudetto in the last one. Kessie was scoring goals and providing assists as Stefano Pioli’s team finally brought glory to San Siro.He’ll now look to emulate his Ivorian predecessor at the Catalan club – but it won’t be an easy task.
