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 came to an end.
The iconic midfielder had made 269 appearances for the Blues, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
His immense career 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 likely to see out his career 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 summer.
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 is not done to bring the Frenchman to Turkey, but talks continue as Fenerbahce try to snap up yet another 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 is also 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 have filled all nine of the over-21 foreign player positions in their squad.
An exit for the 65-cap France international would mean the Saudi side can bring in another high profile player.
Kante has featured regularly this season, with 21 outings, but it has not been a great season for Al-Ittihad, who sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League table.
‘It’s not over’
Having starred for France at Euro 2024, Kante suggested that his career in Europe is not 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 new football, a new experience.
‘Finding these feelings again with the French team is beautiful, it touches me, we want to do well. But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today.’
