Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is seemingly leaving Stamford Bridge after seven seasons, having been the subject of a huge money offer from a Saudi Pro League club, Al-Ittihad.
Popular sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano reported that Saudi emissaries were in London on Tuesday, June 6, to discuss a move for the French footballer. It had been expected that the former Leicester City midfielder would extend his deal at Chelsea, and a deal was reportedly close. The player’s entourage even told Le Parisien in April that they expected to extend at Chelsea, adding that “he wants to continue his career in London.”
Chelsea however decided against renewing 32-year-old N’Golo Kante’s which expires this month, as the player’s injury record over the last few seasons has been less than impressive.
However, Kanté now looks on the verge of a move to Saudi pro-league club, Al-Ittihad. Romano reported that he is set to join Al Ittihad on a free transfer, and will join former France international Karim Benzema (35) at the Saudi club. The Olympique Lyonnais academy product joined Al Ittihad earlier this week.
N’Golo Kanté is on the verge of joining Al Ittihad on free transfer! Final details are being discussed then proposal will be accepted 🚨🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #CFC
Al Ittihad directors just arrived in London to link up with PIF Saudi delegation to prepare documents.
€100m per year until 2025. pic.twitter.com/el7VDaiaq5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023
Lionel Messi is also wanted in Saudi Arabia and has been offered more than £350m a year by Al-Hilal. Saudi clubs are also pushing to sign Sergio Busquets after his departure from Barcelona. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is leaving Chelsea, has already been approached by Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab.
Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are the other two clubs in which Saudi’s Public Investment Fund took its 75 percent stake.
Kante will depart Stamford Bridge with his status as a Chelsea legend secured. He helped the Blues win the Premier League title in 2017, in what was his maiden season at the club, while also putting in a player-of-the-match performance in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City which Chelsea won.
The 32-year-old has also won the Europa League, FA Cup, and European Super Cup during his stint at Stamford Bridge, as well as the 2018 World Cup with France.
