Kessie could stay at Al Ahli; club also eyes Pape Gueye

Franck Kessie is back on Al Ahli's radar after his contract ran out on 30 June. According to L'Équipe, both parties have resumed negotiations following what looked like an imminent departure — the Saudi club even posted a farewell message on social media. No deal is in place yet, though, and the renewal lacks unanimous backing from the board.

The 29-year-old Ivorian midfielder would enjoy continuity: he has won Al Ahli's last two AFC Champions League titles since leaving Barcelona two years ago. But the Saudi outfit is keeping its options open and studying alternatives to strengthen midfield.

Pape Gueye from Villarreal is among those targets. The 27-year-old Senegalese international, named best player at January's Africa Cup of Nations final, has caught Al Ahli's attention, though Villarreal hold him to a contract through 2028, complicating any move.