Istanbul – In a dramatic turn of events, French midfielder N’Golo Kanté has completed a move to Fenerbahçe, officially terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. The transfer, finalized on , marks Kanté’s return to European football after a period in the Saudi Pro League.
Administrative Hurdles Overcome
The transfer saga appeared to collapse on Tuesday, but was salvaged less than 24 hours later following intervention from FIFA. The breakthrough came after both clubs received official approval from the governing body to proceed with the registration, resolving technical issues encountered during the Transfer Matching System (TMS) window. FIFA accepted Fenerbahçe’s appeal, recognizing the problems as technical rather than procedural.
Al-Ittihad confirmed the departure with a brief statement: “The club agrees to sell the remaining period of N’Golo Kanté’s contract.” This allowed Kanté to immediately commit to Fenerbahçe, ending a period of uncertainty surrounding his future.
A Contentious Transfer
The deal was not without friction. Fenerbahçe had publicly accused Al-Ittihad of causing the collapse of the agreement by failing to upload required documents to the TMS on time. The Turkish club maintained that all necessary medicals and paperwork were completed on their end, deeming the situation “unacceptable and damaging.” Intense negotiations between both clubs and FIFA ultimately resolved the impasse.
Kanté’s Career to Date
Kanté transferred to Al-Ittihad from Chelsea in July 2023, where he won a league-cup double title last season. During his time with the Saudi club, he played 105 games across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists. Prior to his move to Saudi Arabia, Kanté had established himself as one of the world’s leading midfielders, notably winning the Premier League title with Leicester City and Chelsea, as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
Fenerbahçe’s Ambitions
Kanté has signed a contract with Fenerbahçe that will keep him in Istanbul until June 2028. The move is particularly significant as Fenerbahçe remains engaged in the Europa League, facing Nottingham Forest in the playoffs. The French national player, with 65 appearances and 2 goals for his country, is also aiming to be included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A Like-for-Like Exchange?
Reports suggest the transfer involved a like-for-like exchange, with Youssef En-Nesyri moving from Turkey to Saudi Arabia alongside Kanté’s move in the opposite direction. However, details surrounding En-Nesyri’s transfer were not fully elaborated in available reports.
Return to the European Stage
Kanté’s return to Europe is seen as a significant boost for Fenerbahçe, adding a world-class midfielder to their ranks. The transfer also highlights the growing influence of FIFA in resolving complex international transfer disputes, particularly those involving emerging football leagues like the Saudi Pro League. The administrative errors that initially derailed the deal underscore the challenges of navigating the increasingly intricate regulations governing international football transfers.
The swift resolution, facilitated by FIFA’s intervention, suggests a willingness to address technical issues that may arise in the evolving landscape of global football. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate and timely documentation in international transfers, and the potential for disputes when administrative processes falter.
Kanté’s presence is expected to elevate Fenerbahçe’s profile both domestically and in European competitions, as the club continues to pursue its ambitions on multiple fronts. His experience and quality will be invaluable as Fenerbahçe aims to compete at the highest level.
