In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a lucrative destination for players to finish off their careers. It all started with the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo and a number of notable names have joined since. That includes former Chelsea players like N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and more. However, it looks like one of them could make his way back to Europe this summer.
The Saudi Pro League has improved a lot following the influx of top players recently. Despite that, one cannot deny that there is still a major gap in terms of competitiveness, interest and football atmosphere from its European counterparts.
As a result, it should not come as a surprise that some of the players might want to return to enjoy some more European football. And it looks like that option could be open for Kante.
A return to France could be on the cards for the World Cup winner. As reported by L’Equipe (via Give Me Sport), Ligue 1 teams AS Monaco and Paris FC are interested in Kante.
Chelsea icon N'Golo Kante could return to Europe with AS Monaco and Paris FC showing interest
The player left Chelsea to join Al-Ittihad in 2023 following a hugely successful stint at Stamford Bridge that saw him lift the Champions League trophy with the Blues in 2021 as well as several other trophies and individual accolades along the way. That includes the Premier League in his debut season under the management of Antonio Conte.
The 34-year-old midfielder was a regular at Chelsea and appeared in as many as 269 matches overall across all competitions for the club. He was a loved figure in the Blues dressing room and among fans worldwide, no matter which team you support.
Nevertheless, Chelsea’s midfield has undergone a major reshuffle since the Frenchman’s departure. Moises Caicedo now plays in the defensive midfield position, with the player performing exceptionally well. Additionally, youngster Romeo Lavia is also available and Andrey Santos can do a job there as well, although he has qualities to shine further up the pitch.
So, it’s safe to say that Chelsea have nothing to do with this deal. The Frenchman is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders to have worn the Royal Blue jersey. However, that is the past and the club have moved on. Anyway, we wish nothing but success to Kante. Whether he does make a return to Europe remains to be seen.