Fenerbahce have confirmed the acquisition of French midfielder N’Golo Kanté from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ittihad, officially closing the chapter on a transfer that had been surrounded by uncertainty earlier in the week.
The move initially hit a snag on Tuesday when the Turkish club raised concerns over Al Ittihad’s failure to submit the necessary documentation before the deadline, casting doubt over whether the deal would go through.
At the time, Fenerbahce issued a statement indicating that the transaction, which also includes Moroccan forward Youssef En Nesyri heading in the opposite direction, had been delayed due to unresolved administrative matters.
Clarity emerged on Wednesday as Fenerbahce announced that all issues had been settled, confirming Kanté’s arrival and his return to European football after spending two and a half years in Saudi Arabia.
Now 34, Kanté arrives in Istanbul with vast experience and an illustrious résumé. He moved to Al Ittihad from Chelsea in 2023, already widely regarded as one of the most consistent and influential midfielders of his era.
His spell at Chelsea saw him collect major honours, including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup, accolades that underlined his reputation for relentless energy, discipline and tactical awareness.
Prior to his success in London, Kanté made his name at Leicester City, where he was instrumental in the club’s remarkable Premier League title triumph in 2016. That historic campaign propelled him to global prominence and earned him a move to Stamford Bridge.
On the other side of the deal, En Nesyri’s exit is part of a broader rebuilding process at Al Ittihad following the departure of former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who has since completed a move to Saudi rivals Al Hilal.
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