A last big contract for N’Golo Kanté? The French international, darling of the 2018 World Cup, has decided to leave his Chelsea club to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The rumor had been buzzing for several hours now, relayed in the first place by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romanowhich indicated that the signing of the 32-year-old footballer’s contract now depended only on details to be settled.
At the end of the contract with the Blues, the midfielder signed a contract “for three years”, according to this source. After seven seasons with the London club, Kanté had played very little during the 2022-2023 financial year, only nine matches, with hamstring and groin injuries. This injury forced him to give up the World Cup in Qatar, suggesting a certain decline for several months.
“The club has demanded a full medical examination,” the source said on condition of anonymity, who did not specify the details of the contract, which comes as the Gulf monarchy buys a series of players for its Saudi league. national. According to several media, the salary of the winner of the Premier League in 2017 and the Champions League in 2021 could reach 100 million euros per year.
New prestigious teammates could arrive
This new arrival in Saudi Arabia echoes the more resounding one on Tuesday. Karim Benzema signed for three years for an as yet undisclosed but staggering amount in the same Saudi club. The first signing was Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined the Al-Nassr club in January for over 400 million euros. Other high-profile teammates could arrive as the kingdom, criticized for human rights abuses, is determined to use football to improve its international image and has petrodollars galore to fulfill its ambitions.
N’Golo Kanté shared seven selections for the France team with Karim Benzema under the orders of Didier Deschamps. Including four during Euro 2020, which stopped in the round of 16 after the defeat against Switzerland. The departure of the French could surprise in view of his recent statements. Asked on May 11 by Sky Sports about his possible presence at Chelsea next season, Kanté replied: “Yes, of course. It’s an exciting project for the club with the players who have arrived. Unfortunately, the season has not been up to Chelsea’s standards but everyone wants to go down the path of success, winning titles. I hope this club will take this direction again. Let’s see where I will be but I hope it’s the direction of the club and that’s the most important thing. »
