N'Golo Kante (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
N’Golo Kanté has returned to Europe by joining Fenerbahçe, signing a lucrative deal that keeps him among the top earners despite leaving Saudi Arabia.
N'Golo Kanté has completed his long-awaited return to European football, leaving Al Ittihad to join Fenerbahçe, where he will compete for the Turkish league title on a highly lucrative contract.
There were concerns that the transfer might collapse due to administrative issues on the Saudi side, but the deal was eventually finalised after decisive action from the Turkish club, which even involved intervention at the highest political level, with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reportedly helping to smooth the process.
Contract details revealed
Kanté has signed a contract with Fenerbahçe running until June 2028, aligning with the club’s clear ambition to challenge for the Turkish Super Lig title this season and beyond.
Financial details disclosed on Wednesday underline just how significant the move is. Kanté will receive a €14.5 million signing bonus, earn €5.5 million for the remainder of the current season, and then collect €11 million per season over the following two campaigns.
Back in Europe, back in contention?
The 33-year-old had been playing in Saudi Arabia since the summer of 2023, when he left Chelsea. His return to Europe now raises questions about a possible international comeback.
It remains to be seen whether Kanté’s move will strengthen his chances of rejoining the France national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Didier Deschamps handed him an appearance against Ukraine last November, and Kanté currently has 65 international caps.
With France, Kanté won the World Cup in 2018 and added the UEFA Nations League title in 2021, achievements that underline his pedigree as he embarks on a new chapter in Istanbul.