Kante on Strike After Fenerbahce Transfer to Al-Ittihad Collapses

N’Golo Kante’s transfer saga took a dramatic turn as the Chelsea legend went on strike, refusing to train with Al-Ittihad after his move to Fenerbahce fell apart. The collapse, caused by an administrative mishap from the Saudi club, has left the French midfielder’s future hanging in the balance.

Kante’s Fenerbahce Move Hits Roadblock

N’Golo Kante, the midfield dynamo who became a legend at Chelsea, was poised for a new challenge with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce. Al-Ittihad, his current club in the Saudi Pro League, had reportedly agreed to a deal involving Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri heading in the opposite direction. However, a critical administrative error in the Transfer Matching System by Al-Ittihad halted the deal just before the Turkish transfer window deadline.

Turkish clubs still have a lifeline, as their transfer window remains open until February 6, offering hope that the transfer could yet be salvaged if the paperwork is sorted in time.

Al-Ittihad’s Blunder Sparks Fenerbahce Frustration

Fenerbahce responded with clear frustration, releasing a statement blaming Al-Ittihad for the failed transaction. According to the Turkish club, all medicals, agreements, and documentation were completed properly on their end. The statement emphasized that the only obstacle was Al-Ittihad’s error in the TMS, which prevented the transfer registration.

Despite appeals to FIFA and last-ditch attempts to extend the process, Fenerbahce confirmed that Al-Ittihad did not rectify the issue, leaving the deal incomplete. The club voiced disappointment but reiterated its commitment to squad restructuring and future sporting goals.

N’Golo Kante Takes a Stand

Kante’s reaction was immediate and resolute. According to multiple reports, the former World Cup winner refused to join Al-Ittihad’s training session on Tuesday. Kante’s camp remains hopeful that ongoing discussions between the clubs and FIFA could yet unlock the transfer before Turkey’s window closes.

Sources also note that Kante is unwilling to play for the Saudi side while his future remains uncertain. With Fenerbahce still keen and time running out, all eyes are on both clubs to resolve the administrative tangle.

Al-Ittihad in Crisis After Benzema and Kante Developments

The timing could not be worse for Al-Ittihad. Already reeling from the surprise departure of Karim Benzema to rivals Al-Hilal, the Saudi champions are unable to recruit reinforcements as their transfer window has closed. Their pursuit of Portuguese talent Gustavo Sa also fell through, compounding their squad depth woes.

Al-Ittihad, the 2024-25 league champions, now sit seventh—13 points adrift of leading Al-Hilal. Although they recently managed a narrow win over Al-Najma, both Kante and Benzema were absent, highlighting the instability within the squad.

What Lies Ahead for Kante and Al-Ittihad?

The next few days are critical for N’Golo Kante, Al-Ittihad, and Fenerbahce. If the transfer is finalized before Friday’s Turkish deadline, Kante may get his desired move. Otherwise, he faces an uncertain period in Saudi Arabia, possibly benched or in limbo as the situation unfolds.

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Opinion: A Risky Gambit, but Understandable

Kante’s decision to strike is bold, reflecting both his frustration and his professionalism’s limits. Administrative errors shouldn’t derail careers at this level, and with Fenerbahce’s need for midfield steel, it’s clear why both club and player are fighting to revive the deal. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, must address their off-field issues to avoid losing key players in such chaotic fashion.