Franck Kessie is expected to join Barcelona’s midfield as a replacement

Barcelona has already begun planning for next season, and focus has gone to the summer 2022 free transfer market, where a number of bargains may be found, none more so than Franck Kessie, who is expected to bolster the Blaugrana’s midfield.

Laporta and Kessie

Despite his exorbitant price tag, Joan Laporta and the technical department intend to strengthen each of the three areas on the pitch this summer, with Erling Haaland still a target for the attack.

Kessie has been a standout since joining AC Milan from Atalanta, but he will most certainly leave the Stadio San Siro when his contract expires on June 30. Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, Los Cules have been watching the Ivorian for some time, and he is also intrigued by the move.

If Kessie were not available on a free transfer, his current market worth would be over 40 million euros, according to Transfermarkt, which would be a significant addition to Barcelona’s midfield.

Kessie may replace Busquets

Sergio Busquets can’t play forever, and he’ll be 34 in June, so Xavi still believes in him, but he’s also aware that a high-quality replacement is required, something that was never truly addressed when he left the club, or even when Andres Iniesta moved to Japan.

Kessie, on the other hand, is a more box-to-box alternative than the Spanish international, having scored five goals already this season in both Serie A and the Champions League, and 14 goals the year before, adding a different dimension to Xavi’s team.

Upcoming Derby Match

Returning our attention to football, Xavi and Barca will face off in a high-profile match this weekend. The Blaugrana will go to the RCDE Stadium for a La Liga derby match against arch-rivals Espanyol.

Sunday’s match is essential for the visitors in their quest for a top-4 finish in Spain’s top division, however, confidence will no doubt be high after an excellent 4-2 win over champions Atletico Madrid the previous time out. As the Adama deal is assessed, Barcelona deals a blow to Coutinho’s transfer. They see Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund as the final component of their ideal front-three.

Read: Barcelona CEO Ferran Reverter resigns after less than 1 year in charge