A sudden shift in Al Ittihad's strategy after Kante's departure
In a move that could reshape Al-Ittihad's transfer strategy, informed sources have revealed that the club's management is urgently searching for a replacement for French star N'Golo Kanté, who is reportedly set to join Turkish side Fenerbahçe. The surprise lies not in the search for a replacement, but in the identity of the targeted player. Al-Ittihad is reportedly eyeing a young midfielder born in 2007, a radical departure from their policy of acquiring seasoned international stars.
Background of the deal and Kante's short impact
The arrival of N'Golo Kanté, the 2018 World Cup winner and Champions League winner, at Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Chelsea was a blockbuster signing that reflected the Saudi league's high ambitions. In a short time, the 34-year-old proved his worth in midfield, making 26 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist, becoming a key player for the team. His potential departure would represent a significant loss for the club, but it also opens the door for the management to reassess their vision for the team's future.
The importance of shifting towards young talents
The move to sign a young player under 17 years old represents a significant shift in the thinking of major Saudi clubs. After a wave of signings of big-name international stars aimed at boosting the league's market value and attracting global attention, clubs like Al-Ittihad seem to be starting to consider sustainability and building a team for the future. This step, if implemented, would be a long-term investment aimed at developing and refining talent to form the core of the team in the coming years, rather than relying solely on ready-made and expensive solutions. This approach also aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in the sports sector, which focuses on developing young talent and creating a promising generation of athletes.
Expected impact at the local and international levels
Domestically, Al-Ittihad's decision may encourage other Saudi Pro League clubs to adopt similar strategies, creating a balance between experienced players and promising youngsters, and raising the level of competition in the long run. Internationally, the success of attracting and developing a young player in such a strong league will change the stereotypical image of the Saudi Pro League as merely a destination for players at the end of their careers. It will prove that the Saudi Pro League can be a fertile ground for developing world-class talent, increasing its appeal to players of all ages. Al-Ittihad's biggest challenge remains finding the right talent to fill the void left by a player of N'Golo Kanté's caliber, and balancing the ambitions of immediate success with the project of building for the future.
