With Franck Kessie’s current contract set to expire next year, AC Milan must move as soon as possible to secure a long-term deal.
As per Corriere dello Sport, a renewal for Kessie has become a priority for the Rossoneri but there is still distance between the two parties when it comes to reaching an agreement.
READ MORE: Who is Mikkel Damsgaard? Analysis of touted AC Milan transfer target
Having seen both Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu leave on free transfers this summer after failing to agree on new terms, Milan simply can’t allow the situation to repeat itself with Kessie in 12 months time.
Kessie a fundamental figure for Milan, must sort contract out
Losing Donnarumma was a bitter blow given his importance to the side and the expectation that he would be a leading figure for the club for years to come.
Calhanoglu’s influence will also be missed but his exit isn’t as disappointing as the hope is that he will be adequately replaced, but when it comes to Kessie, it’s going to be incredibly difficult for Milan if they have to fill that particular void.
As seen in the tweet below, the 24-year-old enjoyed a highly productive season last year, improving on his previous numbers with his best return yet in a Milan shirt in terms of goals and assists.
The Ivorian international was a rock in the Milan midfield, and was undoubtedly one of the most consistent and impressive performers in Stefano Pioli’s side across the entire campaign.
As he continues to mature and develop his all-round game to become a dominant force in the middle of the pitch with his defensive work and a decisive figure with his impact in the final third, Kessie is already a pillar of this side.
That alone is enough to warrant contract talks starting now to secure his long-term future, as the combative midfielder is a player to build around moving forward and not to gamble on eventually agreeing terms.
It’s hoped that the two parties can reach a deal before the new Serie A season gets underway, as ultimately once the campaign starts, it can easily be put in the background and before you know it, months have passed without any discussions even taking place.
Kessie is simply not a player Milan can afford to lose. While fans should respect the wage cap and the stance the club took this summer with Donnarumma and Calhanoglu, if Kessie’s demands are respectable and deserved, which as per the CdS report above they seem to be, there’s no excuse to not be able to compromise and agree on improved terms for such an important figure for Milan.
📊 Franck Kessie's 2020/21 season in numbers.
Second-highest single-season appearances total ✅
Highest single-season goals tally ✅
Highest single-season assists tally ✅*for Milan/across all comps.
Il Presidente.#ForzaMilan #SempreMilan #Kessie pic.twitter.com/WoNSS2igRX
— Talk Milan (@talkmilan1) June 23, 2021