World Cup-winning midfielder N'Golo Kanté has officially joined Fenerbahçe SK from Al-Ittihad Club in a significant winter transfer, signing a contract that runs until June 2028. The move reunites the French defensive midfielder with European football after three seasons in the Saudi Pro League, and marks one of the Turkish Süper Lig’s most eye-catching pieces of midseason business.

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How the transfer unfolded

Negotiations between Fenerbahçe and Al-Ittihad had progressed for weeks, with both clubs finally agreeing on a transfer fee in the region of €4 million. Kanté had reached terms on a long-term deal in Istanbul and was poised to undergo his medical before Al-Ittihad ultimately gave the green light for his departure.

The move had collapsed on transfer deadline day due to administrative errors by Al-Ittihad in the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS). Fenerbahçe blamed Al-Ittihad for the failure. However, FIFA intervened to resolve this & the move was eventually given a green signal.

The 34-year-old has now officially completed the switch after all the drama. The contract extends through the 2027–28 season, reflecting Fenerbahçe’s belief in Kanté’s ability to influence matches at the highest level even in his mid-30s. The deal gives the club one of Europe’s most experienced midfielders and represents a major signing for their push in domestic and continental competitions.

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Why Kanté wanted to move

Kanté’s desire to return to Europe formed a clear backdrop to this transfer. He had reportedly been willing to accept a reduced salary compared with his Saudi wage in order to secure the move back to the European game, where he last starred with Chelsea FC and was widely regarded as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. His motivation included staying sharp ahead of international commitments, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America looming later in the year.

Fenerbahçe’s supporters were vocal about their interest in signing the French midfielder, and the club remained persistent even when earlier attempts to fast-track Kanté’s registration encountered administrative complications earlier in the transfer window.

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His career in Saudi Arabia

Kanté joined Al-Ittihad in July 2023 after a decorated spell in the Premier League, and he quickly became a pivotal figure in their midfield. Over 79 league appearances in Saudi Arabia, he contributed 8 goals and added assists while helping Al-Ittihad secure the Saudi Pro League title and King’s Cup in the 2024–25 season. His combative style and intelligence in the centre of the park made him a regular starter and a fan favourite in Jeddah.

Record and legacy in Europe

Before his Saudi stint, Kanté enjoyed a glittering career in Europe. He rose from Leicester City to global stardom with Chelsea, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, domestic cups and earning individual acclaim as one of the most effective defensive midfielders of his generation. Internationally, he was part of France’s squad that lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup and has garnered over 65 caps for Les Bleus.

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What Kanté brings to Fenerbahçe

At Fenerbahçe, Kanté is expected to anchor midfield with his trademark interception ability, stamina and tactical nous: qualities that have defined his career and differentiated him even among elite contemporaries. His arrival significantly boosts Fenerbahçe’s spine as they chase domestic honours and look to make deeper runs in European competitions.

His experience will also provide leadership for younger midfielders and a valuable tactical option for the manager. Kanté’s ability to break up play, protect the backline and transition quickly into attack fits the club’s ambitions to compete on multiple fronts this season and beyond.

Timing and broader context

The deal comes late in the winter transfer window and coincides with Fenerbahçe’s efforts to solidify their squad for a title challenge in the Süper Lig and strong showings in cup competitions. For Al-Ittihad, letting Kanté leave reflects both his contract situation, with only months left, and the midfielder’s insistence on testing himself again in European football, rather than remain tied to the Saudi game.

N’Golo Kanté’s move to Fenerbahçe marks a notable return to European club football for a player whose impact has been felt at the highest level for more than a decade. With a contract extending through 2028, Kanté now embarks on the next chapter of his career in Turkey, bringing leadership, experience and quality to a club with high ambitions on both domestic and continental stages.

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N’Golo Kante joins Fenerbahce, returns to Europe after Saudi stint