Turkish giants Fenerbahce have completed the signing of France midfielder N’Golo Kante from Saudi club Al-Ittihad, with the club confirming that the transfer was finalised with support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Kante, a World Cup winner with France, will turn 35 next month and is set to begin a new chapter of his career in Istanbul. Reports had earlier suggested the move was close to collapsing due to an administrative issue, but the deal has now been successfully concluded.
Although the length of his contract was not disclosed, the move offers Kante a chance to stay active at a competitive level as he pushes for a spot in France’s squad for the upcoming World Cup finals.
Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran described the midfielder as a major addition to the team, calling him one of football’s biggest names. He also publicly thanked President Erdogan for playing a key role in ensuring the deal went through.
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Erdogan was in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, making his first visit to the country in over two years, which may have helped smooth discussions around the transfer.
Fenerbahce, who are 19-time Turkish champions, are currently in a tight title race, sitting three points behind rivals Galatasaray. The club has also strengthened its squad by signing another French midfielder, Matteo Guendouzi, during the winter transfer window.
They are also preparing for a major European test later this month when they face English side Nottingham Forest in the Europa League knockout phase play-offs.
