Nineteen-time Turkish champions,Fenerbahçe, have taken concrete steps towards a potential January move for N’Golo Kante, with the former Chelsea midfielder now open to a new life in Turkey.
The 34-year-old World Cup winner, currently with Al-Ittihad, is approaching the latter stages of his contract in Saudi Arabia, and with no renewal discussions underway, the door has been thrown open for a possible January departure.
Kante is understood to have already given the greenlight to Fenerbahçe’s proposal, even agreeing to a massive wage reduction after being convinced by the club’s sporting project. Sources suggest the Frenchman is prepared to accept a cut of up to 80 per cent, a clear indication that sporting ambition, rather than financial comfort is at the forefront of his decision.
Fenerbahçe’s growing appeal has been bolstered by an aggressive recruitment approach, with arrivals of high-profile names such as Matteo Guendouzi playing a key role in influencing Kanté’s interest.
The situation, however, remains complicated as Al-Ittihad who are reluctant to sanction a January exit, retain a degree of control despite Kante’s contract nearing its end.
Head coach Sérgio Conceição has publicly played down speculations, insisting that any player who stays must remain fully committed to the club’s identity and objectives.
While Fenerbahçe officials have formally tabled an initial contract proposal, no agreement has yet been finalised,with discussions ongoing on multiple fronts.
Currently second in the Süper Lig and gearing towards a title race, Fenerbahçe view the Champions League winner and two-time Premier League champion a statement signing, capable of strengthening their title charge and influencing the squad with an elite-level experience should a breakthrough be reached in the coming weeks.
