Kanté’s return to Europe is getting closer. Negotiations with Fenerbahçe advance
The Saudi club’s midfielder could be on his way back to Europe, with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe emerging as one of the frontrunners for his signature.
Details: According to FootMercato, midfielder N’Golo Kanté is making significant progress in talks over a move from Al-Ittihad to Fenerbahçe. The Turkish side has already submitted an official offer for the French midfielder and remains optimistic about finalizing the deal.
Kanté, 34, is under contract with the Saudi club until the summer of 2026, with no agreement reached yet on an extension. Negotiations from the Fenerbahçe side are being led by sporting director Devin Özek, who took charge of the club’s transfer operations last summer. There is growing confidence in Istanbul that the deal can be successfully completed.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad is not currently considering letting the player go during the winter transfer window, but the club would be unable to prevent Kanté from signing a pre-contract and leaving for free in the summer. The possibility of an early January exit remains on the table.
Kanté has been with Al-Ittihad since June 2023, making close to 100 appearances and scoring nine goals. This season, the Frenchman has featured in 21 matches for the Saudi club, finding the net just once—in a Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Najma.
Reminder: Fenerbahçe is actively pursuing the transfer of Atalanta’s Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
