N’Golo Kante completes move to Saudi Arabia side Al Ittihad

• France midfielder N’Golo Kante has ended his seven-year stint at Chelsea Football Club
• Kante has joined Saudi Arabia side Al Ittihad in a permanent move signing a three-year contract
• The midfielder won the Premier League, Europa League, and Champions League amongst other major trophies at Chelsea

Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad have officially announced the signing of midfielder N’Golo Kante from Chelsea. The French midfielder will join the Saudi Arabian club on a three-year contract, valued at approximately €86 million. This acquisition marks Al Ittihad’s second major signing of the summer, following the arrival of Karim Benzema.

In a statement, Al Ittihad expressed their satisfaction with finalizing the contract with Kante on June 20th, after he successfully completed his medical tests at a specialized medical centre in Dubai. The club emphasized that the addition of Kante is a significant and impactful move in their history, as they strive to strengthen their squad after their recent triumph in the Saudi Professional League. Al Ittihad also aims to establish itself as an attractive destination for world-class players in the Saudi league.

Kante’s departure from Chelsea concludes his impressive seven-year tenure with the London-based club. During his time at Chelsea, Kante played a crucial role in the team’s success, contributing to six major honours, including a Premier League title and the club’s second-ever UEFA Champions League triumph.

N’Golo Kante leaves Chelsea after seven years winning six major honors including the UEFA Champions League (2021), Europa League (2019) and the Premier League (2017). | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

READ: N’golo Kante biography and net worth

The 32-year-old midfielder initially arrived in England in 2015, spending a year with Leicester City, where he played a pivotal role in their remarkable and unexpected Premier League title-winning campaign.

Unfortunately, Kante’s final season at Chelsea was plagued by injuries. He suffered a hamstring problem during a match against Tottenham on the second weekend of the campaign and subsequently missed a significant portion of the season, only making a return to the pitch in the spring.

The move to Al Ittihad signifies a new chapter in Kante’s career, as he embarks on a fresh challenge in the Saudi Pro League. Known for his exceptional defensive abilities and tireless work rate, Kante’s presence is expected to greatly enhance Al Ittihad’s midfield and overall team performance. His signing reflects the club’s ambition to attract top-tier players and compete at the highest level in Saudi Arabian football.

For Chelsea, parting ways with Kante marks the end of an era. The industrious midfielder’s contributions to the club’s success over the years have been invaluable, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Chelsea’s most influential players in recent history. While injuries limited his involvement in his final season with the Blues, Kante’s impact on the team’s achievements cannot be understated.

As Kante begins a new adventure with Al Ittihad, both Chelsea and their fans will bid farewell to a player who exemplified dedication, professionalism, and exceptional talent during his time at the club. His legacy at Chelsea will be remembered fondly, and his departure marks the start of a new chapter for both the player and the club.