Franck Kessie is the new sensation of Serie A, after a brilliant start to the season for Atalanta. The midfielder isn’t expected to score goals, but that’s what he’s been doing, and, as always, goals receive the most attention.
Calciomercato report on Tuesday that the attention is transfer attention, and the biggest Italian clubs are starting to take an interest. Napoli are said to have some kind of option to buy the player, a clause they agreed last January, and Serie A champions Juventus are also beginning to take notice.
Atangana revealed the 19-year-old was very close to signing for Sunderland during the summer transfer window, but work permit issues derailed the transfer.
He said: “I can confirm now. It was all done, but the transfer was not possible for a regulation of the Premier League.
“He does not meet the 75% attendance for the national team for a single appearance. He has made four and would need five to be welcomed in the Premier League.”
New Premier League regulations are based upon a points system, which doesn’t only take notice of international appearances.
Should Sunderland return for Kessie in January then the price will likely be higher, but that would also make the player’s chances of getting a work permit greater. More international appearances between now and then would also help.
David Moyes has a chane to return for the player, and he may want to work on that now, before Kessie becomes out of Sunderland’s range.
