Fakayejo Paul
The pursuit of N’Golo Kanté by Turkish giants Fenerbahçe has entered a decisive week. While initial hopes suggested a quick resolution, the deal remains in the works as talks continue with Saudi side Al Ittihad.
The 34-year-old World Cup winner has already given his “green light” to the move, driven by a desire to return to top-level European competition to secure his spot in France’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The Financial Hurdles
- The Salary: Kanté has shown incredible commitment to the move, reportedly agreeing to a 70-80% pay cut. He is prepared to drop from his €25 million-a-year package in Saudi Arabia to a salary of roughly €5 million to €8 million plus bonuses in Istanbul.
- The Transfer Fee: Al Ittihad remains the final obstacle. While some reports suggest Kanté may waive unpaid wages to facilitate a free transfer, the Saudi club is still negotiating for a formal fee, rumored to be around €8 million.
Fenerbahçe’s Ambition
Under sporting director Devin Özek, Fenerbahçe has been aggressive this window, already securing high-profile names like Mattéo Guendouzi for €30 million. Adding Kanté would be the ultimate “statement” signing as they chase their first Süper Lig title since 2014.
Negotiations are expected to reach a “breaking point” today or tomorrow as both clubs aim for clarity.