Kessie, Christensen Arrive At Barcelona On Free Transfers

Franck Kessie of AC Milan in May 2022
Franck Kessie of AC Milan in May 2022. Photo by Marco Canoniero/Shutterstock (12942097v)

Midfielder Franck Kessie and center-back Andreas Christensen have been signed by FC Barcelona on free transfers, the club confirmed on Monday.

Arriving after becoming a free agent following the expiration of his contract with AC Milan, Kessie is expected to provide the Blaugranes with more options in the midfield, particularly with Frenkie de Jong’s future at the club being brought into question. The 25-year-old Ivorian will battle with the likes of Gavi, Nico Gonzalez, Pedri, and Sergio Busquets for a spot in the starting 11.

Set to be unveiled as a Barca player on Wednesday, Kessie has signed a contract that runs through 2026 and includes a €500 million release clause.

The 26-year-old Christensen arrives at the Spotify Camp Nou after his contract with Premier League club Chelsea lapsed last month. This move brings an end to the Danish defender’s 10-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2021 as well as the Europa League in 2019.

Christensen is a welcome addition to the Blaugranes’ defense, where he joins the ranks of Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, and Ronald Araujo, who recently signed a new long-term contract with Barcelona.

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