Softfootball understands that Youssef En-Nesyri is now officially an Al-Ittihad player, and the move, which took a bit longer than expected, finally crossed the line this week.
The Moroccan striker sealed his transfer from Fenerbahçe, ending a short but tense saga that nearly got stuck because of paperwork issues.There were last-minute problems with documents on the Transfer Matching System, with FIFA blocking the transfer.
The deal is believed to be worth around €15 million, with N’Golo Kanté moving the other direction as part of the package, a player-plus-cash exchange that caught many by surprise.
With Karim Benzema gone to Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad needed goals, someone reliable up front. En-Nesyri may not be flashy every week, but he works hard, runs channels, and scores the scrappy ones too. Coaches like that type.
Fenerbahçe said goodbye with a respectful message via their official X account, thanking him for his professionalism and effort during his spell in Turkey.
They posted:
Translated from Turkish
Thank you Youssef En-Nesyri An agreement has been reached regarding the transfer of our footballer Youssef En-Nesyri to Al Ittihad FC, one of the teams in the Saudi Pro League. We thank En-Nesyri for his efforts, who added value to our club with his on-field struggle and professionalism throughout the time he wore our jersey; and we wish him success in the new chapter of his career.
Kanté, meanwhile, signed a 2.5-year deal in Istanbul. At 34, he’s not the same relentless machine from his Chelsea days, but the experience is still huge. Big games, big moments, he’s been there.
Interestingly, Juventus had also checked on En-Nesyri earlier in the window, yet their offer never really convinced him. Al-Ittihad pushed harder. Simple as that. Messy transfer, sure. But in the end, both clubs walk away strengthened, and that’s what matters most.
