In a surprising development that has shaken Saudi football circles, reliable press reports indicate that French star N'Golo Kanté, the Al-Ittihad midfielder, has made a final decision to refuse to renew his contract with the club. Reliable journalist Santi Ona confirmed via his official account on the "X" platform that Kanté informed the Al-Ittihad management of his firm desire to leave at the end of his current contract, paving the way for a new professional experience in his illustrious football career.
This decision comes shortly after Kanté joined the Saudi Professional League in the summer of 2023 in a high-profile free transfer. The 2018 World Cup winner joined Al-Ittihad's star-studded squad from English club Chelsea, where he had established himself as one of the world's best midfielders. During his time with the Blues, Kanté achieved historic milestones, most notably winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup. His move to Al-Ittihad, along with his compatriot Karim Benzema, was part of the Saudi Public Investment Fund's ambitious project to attract top international football stars and raise the level of competition and media attention of the league.
Kante's potential decision is a major blow to Al-Ittihad and its fans, as he was considered a cornerstone of the team's project to compete for domestic and continental titles. His absence will leave a significant void in midfield that will be difficult to fill, given his immense defensive capabilities and tireless work rate. This decision also raises questions about the stability of the club's sporting project and its ability to retain its star players, especially after a season marked by inconsistent results and significant challenges for the reigning league champions.
More broadly, the departure of a star of Kanté's caliber after just one season, should it occur, poses a challenge to the Saudi league's image as a stable and long-term destination for international stars. While the league has succeeded in attracting big names, the biggest challenge lies in their retention and adaptation. Internationally, this news is expected to attract the attention of several major European clubs who might seek to acquire the player on a free transfer. His potential return to Europe would be a compelling story and would once again highlight the competition between major leagues and the Saudi league for top talent.
According to reports, N'Golo Kanté's contract with Al-Ittihad expires at the end of the current season, legally granting him the right to negotiate and sign with any other club starting in the January transfer window, with the move taking place in the summer. Journalist Santi Ona indicated that the player already has offers from several clubs and will carefully evaluate them all to choose his next destination. The future of the French "dynamo" remains open to all possibilities, pending developments in the coming months.
