Kante is the latest high-profile footballer to relocate to Saudi Arabia. At Al Ittihad, he will team up with former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
N’Golo Kante has joined Al Ittihad from Chelsea.
Following Karim Benzema’s arrival, the Frenchman will join on a three-year contract for about €86 million.
According to Al Ittihad, “the contract [with Kante] was finalized on Tuesday, June 20th, after he completed his medical tests at a specialized medical center in Dubai.”
“This move comes as Ittihad, who recently won the Saudi Professional League, looks to strengthen their squad.”
In the club’s history, “Kante’s signing at Al-Ittihad goes down as one of the most high-profile and impactful.”
The club wants to establish itself as the best option in the Saudi Professional League for elite players.
Kante join his teammate Benzema in Saudi
N’Golo Kante’s transfer to the Saudi Arabian team Al Ittihad is now officially over, it has been verified.
The midfielder departs Chelsea after seven years to join France colleague Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad on a four-year contract.
Kante, like many of the players transferring from Europe to the Middle East, will earn astronomical earnings, with transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano estimating he will make €100 million (roughly £85.5 million) plus image and commercial rights over the duration of his four-year contract.
In July, the 32-year-old is most likely to debut as an Al Ittihad player.
Following Cristiano, who joined Al Nassr in January, Kante is the latest high-profile figure to depart Europe for Saudi Arabia.
Benzema joined Al Ittihad earlier this summer, while the Wolves midfielder Neves is likely to join Al Hilal.
A number of Kante’s former Chelsea colleagues, including Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech, and Romelu Lukaku, have all been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea need a summer clearout to avoid breaking financial fair play laws, with Todd Boehly spending over £600 million on signings since taking over the club in May 2022.
Kante is the first senior player to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. On the other side, Mason Mount appears ready to join Manchester United.
Chelsea announced the £63 million signing of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku on the same day as the Kante bombshell.
