French midfielder N’golo Kante has joined Turkish side Fenerbahce from Saudi Premier League champions Al Ittihad in a deal that involves Youssef En-Nesyri moving in the other direction.
The former Chelsea midfielder was initially set to move to Turkey on transfer deadline day, but the move collapse before the deadline.
Fenerbahce had blamed Al Ittihad for the administrative issue that had caused the failed transfer with En-Nesyri departure also affected in the process.
“The transfer process involving Al Ittihad Club, N’Golo Kanté, and Youssef En-Nesyri has been meticulously managed by our club in line with our plans and with utmost care in all respects”, a statement by Fenerbahce had read.
“However, due to the erroneous entry of the relevant TMS information by the opposing club, the procedures could not be completed within the transfer registration period independently of our club. Accordingly, an extension was requested, the necessary discussions were conducted with FIFA by our club, and all steps have been taken to resolve the process. Despite this, in the ongoing process, the procedures have not been completed by the opposing club without any justification provided to us. As a result of these developments, unfortunately, the said transfer process could not be concluded.”
However, the Saudi club have now terminated the contract of the experienced midfielder which has now allowed the deal to happen.
FIFA also intervened in the process, allowing the transfer to go on as planned even though the window had already closed in Saudi Arabia
Kante makes a return to Europe after two-and-a-half years in the Middle East, where he won the Saudi League title with the club last season.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind, the 34-year-old had hoped to play himself into contention for a spot in France’s highly competitive squad and his chances could be boosted with the transfer to Turkey.
An announcement over the transfer is expected to happen soon, while he could make his debut for the club against Genclerbirligi next Monday.
Meanwhile, En-Nesyri who joined Fenerbahce in 2024 and scored 38 goals in 79 appearances across all competitions has joined Al Ittihad.
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