N’Golo Kanté’s Fenerbahce transfer collapses as Turkish club blame Al-Ittihad

France World Cup aim 

Fenerbahce and N’Golo Kanté’s representatives were confident of completing a deadline day transfer but the deal collapsed last-minute in bizarre circumstances. The 34-year-old’s contract at Al Ittihad expires in the summer and Fener agreed a fee with the Saudi club to bring Kanté back to Europe. Kante had an agreed personal terms with the Turkish giants and was preparing to fly to Istanbul but an administrative error by Al-Ittihad scuppered the deal.

Youssef En-Nesyri was heading in the opposite direction and Fener have firmly blamed Al-Ittihad in a strongly worded statement. It read: “The transfer process involving Al Ittihad Club, N’Golo Kanté, and Youssef En-Nesyri has been meticulously managed by our club in line with our plans and with utmost care in all respects.

It continued: “However, due to the erroneous entry of the relevant TMS information by the opposing club, the procedures could not be completed within the transfer registration period independently of our club. Accordingly, an extension was requested, the necessary discussions were conducted with FIFA by our club, and all steps have been taken to resolve the process. Despite this, in the ongoing process, the procedures have not been completed by the opposing club without any justification provided to us.As a result of these developments, unfortunately, the said transfer process could not be concluded.”

N’Golo Kante in talks over Fenerbahce move

Kante will now remain in Saudi Arabia until the end of the season but could still join Fener when his contract expires in the summer. Although the Super Lig window is open until the summer, it’s closed for Saudi clubs – so the deal is dead. The French international opted for the riches of the Saudi Pro League in 2023 when his contract with Chelsea expired but it’s understood that he’s open to a move to Fener. Kanté was a surprise inclusion in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for Euro 2024

The midfielder is still entrusted by Deschamps to start for France and the Super Lig isn’t of the standard of the major European leagues. During his pomp at Chelsea and Leicester, Kanté was indisputably one of the best midfielders in the world and he’s won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his career.