Fenerbahce midfielder N’Golo Kante has hinted at a potential return to the French Ligue One, revealing he came close to making the move during the summer transfer window.
The French midfielder rose through the ranks at Boulogne and played for their senior team, before also playing for Caen between 2013 and 2015.
Kante left France in 2025 to join Leicester City and was part of their shock 2015-16 Premier League winning campaign and he went on to join Chelsea after a productive spell.
The 34-year-old moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and was tipped with a return to Europe last summer, with Ligue One’s newly-promoted side Paris FC expressing strong desire to acquire his services.
Speaking during an interview, Kante who joined Fenerbahce from Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad during the winter transfer window, revealed that he was previously close to a return to France last summer.
“It was in discussions last summer, like with other clubs. In the end it didn’t happen. We respect this interest”, Kante stated.
“Why not finish in France, we never know.”
Kante signed a two-and-a-half year contract at the Turkish club, keeping him under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season.
The former Chelsea midfielder came on in the 58th minute of France’s 2-1 win over Brazil last Thursday and will be eyeing a major role when they face Colombia on Sunday.
However, his recent admission would have put many French clubs on high alerts ahead of the summer transfer window.
For now, Kante’s focus will be on helping Fenerbahce finish the season strongly and continue their challenge against Galatasaray for the Turkish league title, before any decision on his future can be made once the summer transfer window opens.
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