Kante’s Transfer Saga: Fenerbahce’s Frustration and Al-Ittihad’s Dilemma

N’Golo Kante was among the first elite players to transition from Europe to the financially rewarding Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Ittihad in 2023 after concluding a seven-year tenure with Chelsea. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Jeddah-based club, contributing to their triumph in the 2024-25 league title as well as the season’s Kings Cup.

However, during the January transfer window, reports surfaced indicating that the former Leicester City star was being pursued by Fenerbahce, who were eager to incorporate the World Cup winner into their squad.

A deal appeared to be in place for Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri to move to Saudi Arabia, but it was revealed on deadline day that an error within Al-Ittihad’s Transfer Matching System had prevented the transfer from being finalized.

Fenerbahce expressed their outrage, placing the responsibility on Al-Ittihad in an official statement: “The transfer process involving N’Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri with Al-Ittihad Club was executed meticulously as per our club’s standards.

“In response to our technical staff’s requests, agreements were established with the players; medical examinations were conducted, necessary approvals secured, and our club met all obligations within the designated timeframe. The transfer registration documents were submitted accurately and completely within the specified period.

“However, due to the improper entry of the relevant TMS information by the other club, the process could not be finalized within the transfer registration window, independent of our club’s actions. Consequently, an extension was sought, and necessary dialogues were conducted with FIFA to resolve the issue.

“Despite these efforts, the other club failed to complete the process without providing justification. These developments have unfortunately resulted in the transfer not being finalized. We empathize with the disappointment this has caused within our community.

“Our club remains committed to restructuring the squad with determination and discipline, aligned with our sporting objectives.”

As per Ben Jacobs, Kante has reportedly declined to attend training with Al-Ittihad and continues to hope for the transfer’s completion. Discussions between the respective clubs are anticipated to resume, according to Santi Aouna.

L’Equipe has reported that Kante is disinclined to represent his current team while awaiting a decision from FIFA regarding the unsuccessful transfer. With Turkey’s transfer window closing on Friday, there remains a possibility for rectifying the administrative errors, allowing Kante’s move to materialize. However, En-Nesyri’s transfer in the opposite direction is not feasible.

Kante’s desire to leave comes at an inopportune moment for Al-Ittihad, who cannot sign new players as their transfer window has closed. The situation has been further complicated by Karim Benzema’s recent shock transfer to Pro League rivals Al-Hilal, leaving the defending champions in a precarious position for the latter half of the season. Additionally, they have missed out on signing Gustavo Sa, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder currently playing for Famalicão in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Despite having won the 2024-25 league title, Al-Ittihad currently sits in seventh place after 19 games, trailing the league leaders Al-Hilal by 13 points. However, they are enjoying a modest three-game unbeaten streak, having recently defeated Al-Najma 1-0 on Sunday with a goal from Mahamadou Doumbia, though both Kante and Benzema were absent from that match.