The race to bring N’Golo Kanté back to European football has intensified, with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe officially launching a bid for the Al-Ittihad midfield general.
With his contract in Saudi Arabia rapidly approaching its final six months, the 34-year-old Frenchman is now legally free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs. Despite Al-Ittihad’s desire to retain their star man, negotiations for a renewal have hit a standstill, opening the door for a sensational move to Istanbul.
The “Sabuncuoğlu” Update: A Decisive Tuesday
According to renowned Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Fenerbahçe has not only expressed interest but has already moved to the negotiation phase. A high-stakes meeting between the club’s board and Kanté’s representatives is reportedly scheduled for this Tuesday (13th) to discuss personal terms and the player’s conditions.
Fenerbahçe views Kanté as the “missing piece” in their midfield a veteran presence with a proven winning pedigree to lead their charge for domestic and continental silverware.
The Saudi Dilemma
Al-Ittihad finds itself in a precarious position. While Kanté remains a vital part of their starting XI, the club risks losing him for nothing in the summer if they don’t agree to a sale this January.
The Competition: It’s not just Turkey calling; Paris FC’s owner recently admitted they were “centimeters away” from a deal, proving that the demand for the former Chelsea man remains high across Europe.
The Valuation: Given his short contract, Fenerbahçe is unlikely to offer a massive transfer fee, instead banking on the prospect of a cut-price deal to tempt the Saudis into selling now.
Will Al-Ittihad Sell?
Internally, the Al-Ittihad hierarchy is expected to play hardball. However, if Kanté signals his desire for a new challenge in Europe, the Saudi giants may be forced to negotiate to avoid a total financial loss on one of their highest-profile assets. All eyes are now on today’s meeting in Istanbul, which could determine where the World Cup winner spends the twilight of his illustrious career.
