An unnamed Saudi Pro League club will try to sign Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 26-year-old has struggled for game time at the Catalan club and could be heading elsewhere.
The Saudis have been scouring Europe for opportunities to attract foreign stars to their league, and they could turn to Kessie.
The Ivory Coast international started only seven La Liga games last season following his free transfer from AC Milan.
He signed a four-year deal until 2026. He won the league title with Barca but will be desperate for consistent playing time after a rough debut year in Spain.
However, Kessie wants to stay and fight for his place at Barca. He is keen to continue his journey with the club and does not want to move to the Gulf nation.
The Saudi bid has not yet come in. Kessie is the Saudis’ second Barca target. They made an offer for Robert Lewandowski, but the Pole rejected it.
If Barcelona sell Kessie, he would prefer a move to the Premier League or the Bundesliga.
However, the former Atalanta man has not fully closed the door on a move to Saudi Arabia. It is not a priority, but he will consider the opportunity when it arrives.
The Saudi Pro League has made a big splash in the transfer window as they seek to attract attention on the competition.
They have already secured N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves. Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia earlier this year to join Al Nassr.
Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino are also heading to Saudi Arabia.
There could be several more movements in the transfer window as the Middle Eastern country seeks to improve its status in world football.
