N’Golo Kanté to Al Ittihad a done deal
N’Golo Kanté has agreed to join Al Ittihad on a free transfer with the player set to sign a two year contract that will see him earning €100m per season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the main part of the medicals have been completed in London.
It had been reported earlier that N’Golo Kante’s potential departure from Chelsea seemed increasingly likely, but now it has been confirmed the talented midfielder will be joining Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia.
After months of negotiations regarding a contract extension at Stamford Bridge, the Frenchman’s discussions recently hit a standstill. This development opened the door for interested parties, as Kante, a World Cup winner, seeks to explore other options.
Al-Ittihad captured Kante’s attention with a two-year agreement worth a staggering €100m per year.
This offer not only entices the 32-year-old midfielder financially but also presents the opportunity to reunite with his compatriot and former France teammate Benzema.
Benzema, too, opted to depart Real Madrid to embrace the enticing financial prospects available in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino finds himself evaluating his squad, as several players express a desire to take charge of their own futures.
Mason Mount’s contract is set to expire, and there are indications of his inclination towards a move to Manchester United.
Similarly, Mateo Kovacic may also be contemplating a departure.
Despite previous hints at remaining with Chelsea under the club’s new regime, Kante appears to have had a change of heart.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Kante expressed, “For sure. It’s an exciting project for the club. Unfortunately, this season hasn’t met Chelsea’s standards. But everyone wants to move in the direction of success and winning titles. I hope this club will once again fight for these aspirations. Let’s see where I will be, but I hope that this change is what the club needs most.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed the arrival of high-profile players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who accepted a substantial offer upon leaving Manchester United.
This region is injecting significant financial resources into various sports, not limited to football, as they strive to enhance the appeal of their leagues.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr, encourages other players to join him in an effort to elevate the level of competition.
He stated, “If they come—big players, big names, young players, old players—they are very welcome because, if that happens, the league will improve. Age doesn’t define players; rather, it is their competitive spirit and youthful energy.”
Furthermore, Ronaldo expressed his satisfaction with his current situation, emphasizing his desire to continue playing in Saudi Arabia.
He believes that with the continuous efforts over the next five years, the Saudi League has the potential to become the world’s fifth-best league.
N’Golo Kanté to Al Ittihad a done deal
