The winter transfer window is about to deliver one of its most unexpected deals. According to information revealed by journalist Florian Plettenberg from Sky Sport Germany, Fenerbahçe has completed the signing of French midfielder N’Golo Kanté from Saudi club Al Ittihad, just a few days before the transfer market closes.
According to this reliable source, a total agreement has been reached among the parties involved. The Istanbul club managed to convince Al Ittihad’s management to release the French international for a fee estimated at around 4 million euros. This is a relatively modest amount, considering the player’s experience and pedigree, especially since his contract with the Saudi club was set to expire at the end of the current season.
Still according to the same information, N’Golo Kanté is set to commit to Fenerbahçe for several seasons. The 34-year-old midfielder is expected to sign a contract running until 2028, showing the Turkish club’s confidence in the former Chelsea player, despite his age and the physical demands of European football.
Kanté arrived at Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer, signing a three-season deal as part of the ambitious project in the Saudi league. Wearing the colors of the Jeddah club, the 2018 World Cup champion quickly found a central role, bringing his experience, work rate, and positional sense to the midfield.
His time in Saudi Arabia proved particularly fruitful on a collective level. Kanté actively contributed to Al Ittihad’s successes, playing a key role in their league title and the King’s Cup victory last season. Individually, he played 105 matches across all competitions, directly involved in 21 goals, including both goals scored and assists.
This transfer to Fenerbahçe marks N’Golo Kanté’s return to the European football scene. The Turkish club hopes to rely on his leadership, professionalism, and vast experience at the highest level to strengthen their midfield and fuel their national and continental ambitions in the coming seasons.
