Fenerbahce sign N’Golo Kante on 2.5-year deal
Fenerbahce have reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad to sign French midfielder N’Golo Kante on a 2.5-year contract, the Turkish club confirmed on Wednesday.
As part of the deal, Kante waived €12 million in unpaid salary owed by Al-Ittihad, effectively allowing the transfer to be completed without a fee. Fenerbahce executive Ertan Torunogullari confirmed the move after returning from negotiations in Dubai.
According to sources close to the talks, the 34-year-old will earn around €8 million per season, significantly less than the reported €25 million annual salary he received in Saudi Arabia. His contract with Al-Ittihad was due to expire in June 2026.
Kante is said to be motivated by a return to competitive European football as he targets a place in France’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has made 14 appearances and scored once this season.
A member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team, Kante previously enjoyed major success with Leicester City and Chelsea, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League during his career.
