Softfootball understands that the possible transfer of N’Golo Kanté from Al Ittihad to Fenerbahçe is now moving faster than expected, and there is a growing sense that something concrete could happen soon.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, personal terms have already been agreed with the French midfielder, following earlier reports that Kanté was close to reaching an agreement on personal terms with Fenerbahçe.
He posted:
No talks took place between N’Golo Kanté and Al Ittihad over new deal as talks with Fenerbahçe continue.Kanté, keen on the Fener move also on the personal terms proposal — deal now up to clubs agreement.
Kanté is said to be ready to take a notable pay cut, which doesn’t happen often at this stage of a player’s career.
Right now, the biggest issue is still between the clubs.
Al Ittihad are not exactly keen on letting him go for free or approving a mid-season exit, and that’s where negotiations have slowed things slightly. Still, a meeting between a Fenerbahçe delegation and Al Ittihad officials is expected in the coming days, and that could shift the mood quickly.
Interestingly, reports today suggest that no fresh contract discussions have taken place between Kanté’s camp and the Saudi club. His current deal runs until the summer of 2026, which puts him in a strong position. If nothing changes, he could leave as a free agent next year.
That reality has alerted a few European clubs, but for now, Fenerbahçe look to be ahead of the queue.
Kanté’s push for a return to Europe is largely about ambition. He wants to remain firmly in the picture for the France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and he feels playing weekly in Europe gives him a better shot.
His showing at Euro 2024 backed up that belief, as he looked sharp, disciplined, and still very much at the top level. Age hasn’t slowed him as much as some expected.
Since joining Al Ittihad from Chelsea in June 2023, Kanté, who recently featured in Al Ittihad’s 2-1 victory against Al Riyadh, has been a regular figure, making over 100 appearances across competitions.
He has scored nine goals and added ten assists, numbers that quietly underline his influence. This season alone, he has featured in 14 league games, scoring once. Despite being offered an extension reportedly worth up to €32 million over 18 months, Kanté said no, which tells its own story.
For Fenerbahçe, who are deep in a tight Süper Lig title race, bringing in a proven winner like Kanté could be a game-changer. Talks continue, the pressure is building, and January might yet deliver a very big surprise.
