The past few hours have witnessed exciting developments in the summer transfer file of the Saudi Al-Ittihad club, specifically regarding the future of the veteran French star N’Golo Kante, who has become the focus of attention for many major European clubs, most notably the Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Turkish journalist Akram Konur, specializing in transfer market news, revealed on his official X-platform account the firm stance of Al-Ittihad's management regarding offers for the player. Konur explained that the club's officials are strongly committed to retaining the French midfielder's services, rejecting the idea of letting him go during the current transfer window due to the team's crucial need for his contributions next season.
The Turkish journalist provided detailed information about the negotiations, stating, "The federation is keen to keep N'Golo Kanté, and although negotiations with Fenerbahçe are still ongoing and various scenarios are being considered, the Turkish club has already reached a verbal agreement with the player regarding personal terms." This conflict between the player's potential desire for a new challenge and his current club's insistence on retaining him leaves the deal uncertain.
A remarkable performance and crucial timing
This news comes at a time when Kanté has remarkably rediscovered his global form. Since joining Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea, the 34-year-old has consistently delivered outstanding performances, making 22 appearances last season and scoring one goal, accumulating 1,927 minutes of playing time. However, the turning point came with his surprise inclusion in the French national team squad for Euro 2024, where he delivered a stunning performance that reminded the world of his exceptional ball-winning and attacking abilities. He was named Man of the Match twice, significantly increasing his market value and making him a target for clubs seeking experience and quality in midfield.
Fenerbahce's ambition and the Union project
On the other hand, Turkish club Fenerbahçe, under their new Portuguese coach José Mourinho, are striving to build a strong team capable of competing both domestically and in Europe. Mourinho is a big admirer of Kanté's playing style, seeing him as the missing piece to control the Turkish team's midfield. The verbal agreement with the player reflects a mutual desire, or at least an openness on Kanté's part, to the idea of playing in the Turkish league under "The Special One.".
However, decision-makers at Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Professional League understand that letting go of a star of Kanté's caliber, especially after his recent international success, could send a negative message about the league's ability to retain its stars. Kanté is a cornerstone of Al-Ittihad's project to return to winning ways after a disappointing trophyless season, and therefore, keeping him is a strategic and technical imperative for the club's management.
