The corridors of Saudi club Al-Ittihad are abuzz with activity during the current winter transfer window, with the name of veteran French star N'Golo Kanté dominating the media spotlight, amidst strong rumors of a keen interest from the Turkish league in acquiring his services. Reliable British journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed exciting new developments that could alter the player's future in the Turkish Super League.
A serious move from Fenerbahce and the player's stance
According to Jacobs' post on his official X-rated account, Turkish club Fenerbahçe is not merely expressing interest but is preparing to submit a formal, written offer to the Saudi Football Federation. The journalist indicated that the Turkish club has already held initial talks with Kanté, describing them as "positive," suggesting that the 2018 World Cup winner is open to a new experience in Turkish football should the clubs reach an agreement.
Management conflict and Conceição's artistic vision
There is a divergence of opinions within the club regarding this potential transfer. From a technical standpoint, Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição about keeping the French "dynamo," having directly informed the player of his desire to retain him as a key pillar in midfield, given Kanté's tactical weight and extensive experience, which are indispensable in both domestic and continental competitions.
On the other hand, Al-Ittihad's strategic plan was to maintain the core of the squad until next summer, but the anticipated Turkish offer will force the management to reconsider. Officials will study the offer from all financial and technical angles to determine whether letting go of Kanté now would benefit the club or destabilize the team.
Kanté: A constant value and a global influence
The potential transfer of Kanté cannot be viewed in isolation from his immense value as one of the most prominent defensive midfielders of the last decade. Since joining Al-Ittihad from Chelsea, Kanté has been a valuable addition to the Saudi Professional League, not only as a world-class player but also as a player who has delivered stunning physical and technical performances reminiscent of his time leading France to the World Cup title and Chelsea to the Champions League trophy.
The departure of a player of Kanté's caliber mid-season could leave a difficult-to-fill void in Al-Ittihad's squad, especially given the fierce competition in the Saudi league. Furthermore, the transfer of stars of this stature to the Turkish league reflects the desire of clubs like Fenerbahçe to regain their European glory by attracting highly experienced players.
The major obstacle in the deal's path
Jacobs concluded his report by emphasizing that the most difficult part of this story is yet to come: the direct negotiations between the two clubs. While the player has shown flexibility, the final decision rests with the federation, as the club will not easily part with its star player without a ready replacement or an irresistible financial offer. This makes the coming days crucial in determining Kanté's fate.
