N’Golo Kante is in talks to make an unexpected return to European football from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
The 34-year-old, who turns 35 in March, moved to Saudi Arabia in June 2023 on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea got here to an end.
The long-lasting midfielder had made 269 appearances for the Blues, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
His immense profession has also seen him win the World Cup with France in 2018 and Premier League with Leicester City in 2016, while he added the Saudi Pro League title and King’s Cup to his collection in 2025.
The tenacious, non-stop midfielder looked prone to see out his profession in Saudi Arabia, but talks are underway over a return to European football.
TalkSPORT reports that Turkish giants Fenerbahce have begun talks with Al-Ittihad over a January move, with Kante’s contract expiring in the summertime.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that there has also been a ‘direct meeting’ with the player’s camp and contract terms have been offered.
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A deal just isn’t done to bring the Frenchman to Turkey, but talks proceed as Fenerbahce attempt to snap up yet one more familiar face to Premier League fans.
Fenerbahce’s squad includes former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Arsenal flop Matteo Guendouzi, ex-Manchester United man Fred, one-time Aston Villa forward John Duran is on loan from Al-Nassr and Cenk Tosun is there after a forgettable stint at Everton.
England Under-20 international Archie Brown can also be campaigning for Fener, as his unique path continues from Derby County via Lausanne-Sport, Gent and now the Istanbul club.
Al-Ittihad are reportedly open to letting Kante go as they’ve filled all nine of the over-21 foreign player positions of their squad.
An exit for the 65-cap France international would mean the Saudi side can herald one other high profile player.
Kante has featured often this season, with 21 outings, but it surely has not been an ideal season for Al-Ittihad, who sit sixth within the Saudi Pro League table.
‘It’s not over’
Having starred for France at Euro 2024, Kante suggested that his profession in Europe just isn’t over, despite leaving for Saudi Arabia.
‘No, it’s not over,’ he said 18 months ago. ‘I appreciate the feedback. In Saudi Arabia, it’s latest football, a brand new experience.
‘Finding these feelings again with the French team is gorgeous, it touches me, we wish to do well. But that’s not an issue I’m asking myself today.’