Official: Franck Kessié Returns to Atalanta — Nine Years Later, The Prodigal Son Is Back in Bergamo

One of Serie A’s most dramatic deadline-day stories of the summer has a happy ending — for Atalanta at least. Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié signed with Atalanta on Saturday, marking a return to the first club he played for in Europe. Kessié officially signed for Atalanta as a free agent — a return to the club where he started his Italian career, after three years with Al-Ahli, having moved from Milan to Barcelona as a free agent in 2022.

How the Deal Came Together — A Lightning-Fast Turnaround

He was in advanced negotiations with Juventus, only for the talks to collapse, and had also been in contact with Roma. Atalanta were not even on the radar, but within hours of the initial discussions being reported, he had put pen to paper on a new contract.

Negotiations with Juventus were at an advanced stage until they broke down over personal terms and the signing-on bonus that his entourage was looking for.

Juventus had also been attempting to sign him but coach Luciano Spalletti said there were issues with financial fair play regulations.

Atalanta offered a contract of three years, a salary of €4.5 million per season and a signing bonus of €5 million, which convinced Kessié.

The Transfer at a Glance

Fabrizio Romano’s Confirmation

Franck Kessié returns to Atalanta after leaving Al-Ahli and talks collapsed with Juventus. Kessié has signed today with Atalanta, deal completed.

Kessié’s History with Atalanta — Where It All Began

Kessié first joined Atalanta in 2015 when he was assigned to the Bergamo club’s youth squad. After a loan spell at Cesena, Kessié scored a brace in his Serie A debut with Atalanta in 2016.

Kessié turns 30 in December and already made 31 appearances for Atalanta, scoring seven goals with four assists, after graduating from their youth team.

Career Path

A Decorated Career Before the Return

He went on to play for AC Milan, Barcelona and Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia before completing the full circle back to Bergamo.

He still had some juice last season, totalling nine goals and seven assists in 39 games in the past campaign.

Kessié was a free agent after turning down an extension from his previous club, as he wanted to head back to Europe after three years in Saudi Arabia.

Ivory Coast and the 2026 World Cup

Kessié helped Ivory Coast reach the World Cup knockout rounds this year for the first time.

He hit the net once and added four shots, two on target, two chances created and four tackles in four World Cup matches.

Where Kessié Fits in Atalanta’s Midfield

He will split duties with Ederson, Lazar Samardzic and Mario Pasalic in multiple midfield spots.

Coached by Maurizio Sarri, Atalanta beat Sassuolo in their Serie A opener last weekend and host Bologna on Monday. Kessié’s arrival gives Sarri an additional physical and experienced midfield option as Atalanta continue their Serie A campaign.

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