FC Barcelona are close to finalizing the sale of a first team midfielder to Saudi club Al-Ahli according to Relevo and The Athletic.

Franck Kessie was signed as a free agent last summer after his AC Milan contract expired, concluding an eight-year spell in the Italian Serie A.

He struggled for minutes in 2022/2023 under head coach Xavi Hernandez, but will be forever remembered for scoring a stoppage time winner at Camp Nou against Real Madrid.

The deciding goal in a March edition of El Clasico effectively handed Barca their first La Liga crown for four years, which was a maiden Spanish top flight crown as manager for former midfielder Xavi.

Heading into the upcoming season, however, Kessie was warned by Xavi that he would receive even less playing time than before because of the arrival of former Ilkay Gundogan.

Barca need to make player sales to register the former Manchester City skipper plus fellow new signings and the contracts of existing stars that have renewed terms.

Kessie's sale is particularly interesting because he cost nothing in 2022, therefore making any amount received for him pure profit.

It previously appeared as though the Ivorian might join Juventus, with the Italian giants keen to take him on loan before making the deal permanent in 2023.

After previous interest from Saudi Arabia, however, this has now been rekindled with Ah-Ahli reportedly close to paying €15 million ($16.4 million) for his services.

Relevo's transfer market expert Matteo Moretto has described the signing as "advanced", and The Athletic say that Kessie is "close to finalizing" the move.

According to Saudi outlet Okaz Sports, the Saudi Pro League giants and the 26-year-old have reached a "total agreement" for Kessie to continue his career in the Middle East.

By choosing Al-Ahli, will link up with other new signings by the club including ex-Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Kessie could be the only sale Barca make to a Saudi outfit after Clement Lenglet turned down the chance to be Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate at Al-Nassr SPORT reported on Thursday morning.