Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad have confirmed the signing of French World Cup-winning midfielder N'Golo Kante on a free transfer from Chelsea.
The 32-year-old will officially join Nuno Espirito Santo's side when his Blues deal runs out at the end of the month, bringing an end to a glittering seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Despite his injury woes over the past couple of years, Chelsea were originally keen to tie Kante down to a new deal, and there was optimism that an agreement could be reached.
At one stage, it was reported that Kante was on the verge of putting pen to paper on fresh terms with Chelsea, although there was understood to be disparity regarding the length of his new contract.
As a result, Chelsea and Kante ultimately could not strike an agreement, and the France international was courted by Al-Ittihad, who have welcomed him to the club on a three-year deal until 2026.
Kanté is wearing the yellow jersey!
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 20, 2023
📦 to 📦
#WelcomeBox2Box pic.twitter.com/swt8eVdM81
"Ittihad Club has announced the signing of French international player N'Golo Kante, the former Chelsea player who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Champions League," a statement read.
"Kante has signed a three-year contract with the club. The contract was finalized on Tuesday, June 20th, after Kante completed his medical tests at a specialized medical center in Dubai.
"Kante's addition to Al-Ittihad is considered one of the most high-profile and impactful signings in the club's history. It is part of the club's efforts to establish itself as a top choice for world-class players in the Saudi Professional League.
"Ittihad Club wishes Kante success in achieving the club's goals and fulfilling the expectations of all the club's fans and supporters during his time with the team."
During his seven years with Chelsea - joining in 2016 after becoming a top-flight champion with Leicester City - Kante scored 13 goals and provided 16 assists in 269 matches, winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Europa League.
© Reuters
The midfielder collected a plethora of individual accolades following a stellar debut season at Stamford Bridge, winning the PFA Players' Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year awards for 2016-17, as well as a place in the PFA Team of the Year for the second year running.
However, Kante's final couple of years in West London were blighted by injuries, and he made just nine appearances in the 2022-23 campaign due to hamstring and groin injuries.
The former Caen youngster joins compatriot Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad following the Ballon d'Or winner's departure from Real Madrid, and he could be one of a few Chelsea players to make the move to the Gulf state.
All of Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech are understood to be in talks with Saudi clubs, as Chelsea aim to slash their wage bill following a loss of £121m in their accounts for 2021-22.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also attracted interest from the Middle East, but the Gabon striker is now alleged to be stalling over an exit from Chelsea.
Ben Knapton
