Franck Kessie's El Clasico snub points to impending Barcelona departure
Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Saturday night was a special occasion for many players, but none more so than Fermin Lopez. The 20-year-old came off the bench to score and assist in the second half, and his performance has led to speculation that he could be in line for a more regular role in the first team.
Lopez's emergence has coincided with the apparent decline of Franck Kessie. The Ivorian midfielder was a key player for Barcelona last season, but he was left on the bench for the El Clasico clash. This has led to suggestions that Kessie could be on his way out of the club.
Sport reports that Juventus are interested in signing Kessie, and the player is said to be open to a move to Italy. Barcelona would prefer to sell Kessie to a Premier League club, as they would prefer to receive an outright fee rather than a loan with an option to buy.
Kessie's future at Barcelona is uncertain, but it seems increasingly likely that he will leave the club in the coming weeks.