N’Golo Kanté is one step closer to a sensational return to European football, having reportedly reached a total agreement with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
At 34, the legendary French midfielder has made it clear that his chapter in the Saudi Pro League is coming to an end. After months of speculation—including a brief flirtation with Paris FC in 2025—Kanté has now prioritized a move to Istanbul. According to renowned Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu (SportsDigitale), the player has already said “yes” to Fenerbahçe’s proposal.
The Sacrifice: Pay Cut for Sporting Glory
In a rare move for a player of his stature, Sky Sports reports that Kanté has agreed to a significant salary reduction to facilitate the deal. His motivation is purely sporting:
- The “French Connection”: Kanté is reportedly inspired by the recent arrival of Mattéo Guendouzi at Fenerbahçe and the club’s aggressive push for European silverware.
- The 2026 World Cup: Having recently been recalled to the French National Team by Didier Deschamps, Kanté believes that playing in a highly competitive European league is essential to securing his place in the squad for the upcoming World Cup.
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The Ball is in Al-Ittihad’s Court
While the agreement between the player and Fenerbahçe is sealed, the final hurdle remains Al-Ittihad. The Saudi club signed Kanté for free in 2023 after his contract with Chelsea expired. Since then, the Frenchman has been a model of consistency, making 103 appearances and contributing to 19 goals (9 goals, 10 assists).
Al-Ittihad must now decide whether to honor the veteran’s wish to leave or demand a transfer fee that could complicate Fenerbahçe’s financial planning. With the January window closing soon, the Turkish side is hopeful for a “green light” before the end of the month.
Season Performance and France Recall
Kanté’s form remains world-class. Despite playing in Saudi Arabia, his physical metrics allowed him to return to the Les Bleus setup, where he recently provided an assist in a crucial qualifying match. A move to Turkey would put him directly back in the spotlight of European scouts and the French coaching staff.
