OFFICIAL: Barcelona confirm the signing of Franck Kessie as free agent

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of former Milan midfielder Franck Kessie on a free transfer.

Kessie has built up a sterling reputation as one of the top midfielders in Italy over the last three years, taking his game to the next level after a permanent move to Milan from Atalanta in 2019.

Speculation over the 25-year-old's future has been raging as he approaches the final few months of his contract at San Siro, and Barca have now won the race for his signature.

Kessie completed a medical before agreeing on a four-year deal at Camp Nou, which will begin when his current contract with Milan expires on June 30.

What are the terms of the deal?

Barca have handed the Ivory Coast international a €6.5 million per year wage packet that could rise based on performance-based add-ons.

What's been said?

*Barca statement/qoutes*

Kessie's record at Milan

Kessie has recorded 36 goals and 16 assists in 214 appearances for Milan to date, including those he earned during an initial two-year loan spell at San Siro.

The midfielder was named in the Serie A team of the Year for 2020-21, and will be hoping to leave the club on a high by landing his first major trophy.

Milan are sitting top of the Serie A table on 66 points with only eight matches remaining this season, and Kessie will be back in contention for a place in Stefano Pioli's lineup when they take on Bologna on April 3.