In a dramatic twist on Deadline Day, former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has seen his proposed transfer to Turkish giants Fenerbahce from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad collapse at the final hurdle. The 34-year-old, who departed Stamford Bridge in 2023 to join Al-Ittihad, was poised for a new challenge in Turkey, but the deal unravelled amidst accusations and technical issues.
Fenerbahce Blames Al-Ittihad for Transfer Failure
Fenerbahce have released a scathing statement, squarely placing the blame on Al-Ittihad for the collapse of the swap deal, which also involved Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri moving in the opposite direction. The Turkish club asserted that they had fulfilled all obligations, including completing medical examinations and uploading necessary documents to FIFA's Transfer Matching System (TMS) on time.
However, they claimed that Al-Ittihad incorrectly entered the TMS information, preventing the transaction from being finalised within the registration period. Despite Fenerbahce's efforts to seek an extension and engage with FIFA, the Saudi club allegedly failed to rectify the issue without providing any justification.
Chelsea's Interest in Kante Fades After Deadline
This development comes after Chelsea were linked with a potential loan move for Kante during the January transfer window. The Blues, under manager Liam Rosenior, had been exploring options to bolster their midfield with experienced players, with Kante and former Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz among the candidates mentioned.
Kante, renowned for his Premier League triumphs with Leicester City in 2016 and Chelsea in 2017, as well as his Champions League, Europa League, and World Cup victories, would have brought invaluable expertise to the squad. However, with the transfer deadline now passed, any possibility of a return to Stamford Bridge has been extinguished for this season.
Background and Implications of the Collapsed Deal
Kante had been a consistent performer for Al-Ittihad, making 105 appearances since his move and starting every Saudi Pro League match this season before being sidelined amid the transfer speculation. The swap deal was reportedly initiated following the departure of Al-Ittihad's talisman, Karim Benzema, who joined rival side Al-Hilal earlier in the week, with En-Nesyri intended as his replacement.
As a result of the collapse, Kante is now expected to return to Al-Ittihad and continue his tenure with the Saudi club. This episode highlights the complexities and last-minute pitfalls that can characterise football transfers, particularly on Deadline Day, leaving fans and clubs in suspense over potential moves.
