One of Chelsea's most decorated players in modern history could soon be making a return to European football. N'Golo Kante is in talks to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
Kante, 34, joined Al-Ittihad at the end of the 2022-23 season after his deal with Chelsea expired and the club failed to extend his contract. The Frenchman's move to Saudi Arabia saw him become one of the country's highest-paid players, and his arrival helped reaffirm the Middle East's commitment to establishing itself as a genuine big player in the sport.
During his first two seasons at Al-Ittihad, Kante, who lifted six major trophies while at the Blues, including the 2016-17 Premier League and 2021 Champions League, has featured in 100 matches in all competitions.
Although nowhere near the same player he was during his nine-year stint in England's top-flight, Kante remains one of football's most highly rated defensive midfielders, and that has once again been reflected in Fenerbahce's eagerness to bring him back to Europe.
N'Golo Kante in transfer talks to join Fenerbahce
Managed by Domenico Tedesco, Fenerbahce are desperate to add experience to their squad as they look to overturn a three-point deficit to arch-rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.
And according to The Athletic's Mario Cortegana, Kante's impending free agency ahead of his contract with Al-Ittihad expiring at the end of the season has made him a realistic and achievable target for Tedesco's side.
The 34-year-old is reportedly in talks with The Yellow Canaries over a deal that would see him return to top-flight European football two-and-a-half years after leaving Stamford Bridge. Although there remains so much uncertainty over when the midfielder's next move could actually be completed.
As Cortegana notes, although Al-Ittihad are not planning to lose Kante during the January window, should all parties reach an agreement, the Frenchman could be wearing Fenerbahce's colours as early as January 22, when the Turkish side hosts Unai Emery's Aston Villa in the Europa League.