Kessié Returns to Atalanta on Multi-Year Deal

Franck Kessié agreed a multi-year return to Atalanta after negotiations with Juventus collapsed over personal terms and a signing-on package. The 29-year-old Ivory Coast captain had been seeking a Europe return after three years with Al-Ahli, and his rejoining Atalanta marks a reunion with the club where he began his European career. Juventus and Roma had been in the mix, but Atalanta moved quickly and reportedly secured a contract running to mid-2029. Coach Maurizio Sarri and Atalanta’s setup will now add a veteran midfielder who has won the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup with Al-Ahli, and who previously starred for Milan and Barcelona. Financial fair play concerns were cited as a hurdle for Juventus, and Atalanta’s deal comes with a backdrop of a rapid, club-backed maneuver that reunited Kessié with his youth club and De Roon, a former Dea ally. Kessié’s return underscores Atalanta’s ambitions under Sarri and Giuntoli as they aim to strengthen a competitive Serie A squad.