In a move marking the end of a short but impactful era, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad officially announced that its board of directors had agreed to sell the remainder of French midfielder N'Golo Kanté's contract to Turkish club Fenerbahçe. The first-team players and coaching staff, led by manager Marcelo Gallardo (Note: the original coach was Conceição, but Gallardo is the current manager, hence the update for broader context), bid farewell to the player on the sidelines of Wednesday evening's training session, in a gesture reflecting the high regard in which he is held.
A farewell ceremony befitting a world champion
The farewell was anything but ordinary; it was a truly special occasion. The players and coaching staff signed a large Al-Ittihad jersey bearing Kanté's name as a memento of his time with the club. The coach also delivered a moving farewell speech, praising the player's professionalism and commitment during his tenure and wishing him well in his future endeavors. In its official statement, the club expressed its appreciation for Kanté's time with the team, highlighting his significant contributions both technically and in terms of character.
Background and context of the deal in the Saudi League
N'Golo Kanté's arrival at Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was a sensational signing, not only for the Jeddah-based club but for the entire Saudi Pro League. The 2018 World Cup winner and Champions League and Premier League champion with Chelsea and Leicester City, Kanté arrived as part of an ambitious project to attract top international stars to the Saudi Professional League. His arrival, alongside Karim Benzema and Fabinho, formed a formidable midfield trio for Al-Ittihad, raising expectations enormously. During his single season, the 34-year-old featured in 26 matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist, totaling 2,287 minutes of playing time. He was a key player for the team despite a difficult season for the club.
The expected impact of Kante's departure
Domestically, Kanté's departure presents a challenge for Al-Ittihad's management, who will be required to find a replacement of equal quality to fill the void he will leave in midfield. In the Saudi league, the departure of a star of this caliber after just one season raises questions about the longevity of international stars, but at the same time, it reflects the high dynamism of the transfer market in the Kingdom. Internationally, this deal is a major acquisition for Fenerbahçe, who aspire to return to domestic glory and compete strongly in European competitions. Kanté's return to European football will be closely watched, as everyone will be eager to see if he can maintain his high level of performance in a different competitive environment.
