Tottenham Hotspur hope to beat Liverpool to Franck Kessie in this transfer window, according to reports. The Ivorian is out of contract in the summer.
This comes from the Telegraph. They claim that Tottenham Hotspur want to win the race for Franck Kessie by getting a deal done this month. It’s a brave move, given Kessie is out of contract this summer.
But Spurs believe that the inevitable fight for that free transfer will drive Kessie’s total cost sky-high. Instead, they’d like to pay a transfer fee to secure the move now, out of hope that the overall package is smaller.
Liverpool to miss out on Franck Kessie transfer?
Liverpool are supposedly one of the clubs wanting Kessie. Italian outlet Ansa, for instance, claims they’ve made contact over a move.
But we’re certain that was with a free transfer in mind, rather than offering Milan a fee. After all, Kessie on a free would be a fantastic move this summer.
The Ivorian is a wonderfully versatile midfielder, capable of winning tackles and getting forward. AC Milan boss Stefano Piolo described him as ‘dynamic’ this season – and that’s a very fitting description.
Liverpool love their midfielders like that, too. Well-rounded, physical players have been the go-to across Jurgen Klopp’s reign in charge and Kessie would likely fit right in.
But it appears Spurs are willing to take a chance here. They’ll hope they’re the only ones prepared to offer Milan a fee this month, getting ahead of the competition and sewing this one up. The Italians would certainly prefer to get a fee than nothing in the summer, meaning Antonio Conte’s side could get it done this month.
Unfortunately, anyone with a similar idea will create competition and drive the price up anyway. That’s all well and good if Kessie is a dream signing but not if the biggest draw was that he’s potentially free. We imagine Liverpool likely saw things that way – Kessie is a great signing on a free transfer, not necessarily with a fee.
And so if Spurs are prepared to jump the gun on the race here, they’ll probably get away with it.
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