Turkish football giants Fenerbahçe have successfully signed French World Cup-winning midfielder N’Golo Kanté, bringing a new level of experience and leadership to their squad. Although the transfer faced administrative hurdles that cast temporary uncertainty over its completion, all obstacles were ultimately cleared, finalising Kanté’s move.
The terms of the contract have not been publicly disclosed. On Wednesday, Fenerbahçe’s president, Ali Şaşal Saran, stated in an official release that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan played a key role in facilitating the transfer, underscoring its high-profile nature.
The 34-year-old Kanté joins Fenerbahçe from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, where he had been playing since 2023. Earlier in the week, reports suggested that the deal might collapse due to administrative complications. Fenerbahçe claimed that delays were caused by errors in Al-Ittihad’s paperwork. However, the Saudi club later confirmed on social media that they had agreed to transfer the remaining period of Kanté’s contract, paving the way for his arrival in Turkey.
Kanté recently returned to the French national team, playing his 65th international match in November, contributing to a 4–0 victory over Ukraine. He was one of the pivotal figures in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, renowned for his tireless work in midfield and defensive acumen.
Fenerbahçe, aiming for a Turkish league title for the first time in 12 years, view Kanté’s addition as a major boost to their midfield. Analysts suggest his experience and leadership will strengthen the team’s core, providing both tactical stability and inspiration for younger players.
In addition to Kanté, Fenerbahçe have signed another French midfielder, Matteo Guendouzi, during the current transfer window, signalling the club’s ambition to mount a serious challenge for the championship. These acquisitions reflect Fenerbahçe’s strategy of combining seasoned internationals with emerging talents to enhance competitiveness at the highest level.
Transfer Summary:
| Player | Age | Position | Previous Club | New Club | National Team Caps | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N’Golo Kanté | 34 | Midfielder | Al-Ittihad (KSA) | Fenerbahçe | 65 | 2018 World Cup Winner |
| Matteo Guendouzi | 24 | Midfielder | Marseille (FRA) | Fenerbahçe | 29 | UEFA Europa League Runner-up |
With Kanté now on board, Fenerbahçe supporters are optimistic that the club can break its 12-year league title drought, while continuing to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.