The most beloved footballer back in Europe? N’Golo Kante targeted by Turkish giant

N’Golo Kante could be on the brink of an unexpected comeback to European football, with Fenerbahče making an ambitious move as the midfielder approaches the final months of his Saudi Arabian contract. The World Cup winner has yet to commit his future to Al-Ittihad, where talks over a renewal have stalled, prompting growing interest from abroad despite his club’s determination to keep him beyond the summer.

The 34-year-old, adored across the footballing world for his humility and tireless style, is now being seriously courted by the Istanbul giants. French reports claim Fenerbahce have already taken concrete steps to lure Kante to Turkey, sensing an opportunity created by the uncertainty surrounding his next move in the Saudi Pro League.

As reported by L’Equipe, Fenerbahce are not content to wait until the end of the season. Instead, they want to bring the Frenchman in during the January window, even though Kante is already entitled to discuss a future deal with overseas clubs. Their aim is clear: add him to the squad immediately and benefit from his presence during the second half of the campaign.

The Turkish club are keen to add both quality and profile to their midfield, and few names carry the weight of Kante’s. His resume speaks for itself—elite-level success, tactical discipline, and vast experience at the very top of the game. Fenerbahce’s leadership is reportedly ready to flex its financial muscle to make the deal happen, underlining the club’s broader ambition to assert themselves at home and on the European stage.

Contrary to expectations that his 2023 move to Saudi Arabia marked a gradual step away from elite football, Kante has continued to perform at a high level. His recall to the France squad for Euro 2024 served as a reminder that his energy, reading of the game, and defensive instincts remain largely intact.

The plan from Fenerbahce appears straightforward: strike a deal with Al-Ittihad for a modest fee now rather than allow Kante to walk away for free, and sell the player on the idea of ending his career amid the intensity and atmosphere of the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. The lure of European competition and the fervour of Turkish supporters may yet persuade him that Istanbul is the ideal setting for the next—and perhaps final—chapter of his career.