Turkey’s president intervened as Fenerbahçe managed to lure the French World Cup winner who moved from Saudi Arabia
Fenerbahçe have officially completed the signing of N’Golo Kanté from Al Ittihad, securing the World Cup-winning midfielder after a previously agreed move to Istanbul stalled due to an administrative issue.
The France international, who turns 35 next month, now begins a new chapter in Turkey as he looks to keep himself in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The transfer had appeared close earlier this winter before complications delayed the process, but Fenerbahçe have now confirmed that all formalities have been resolved.
The length of Kanté’s contract has not been disclosed, though the move offers the midfielder a clear pathway to regular high-level football at a decisive stage of his international ambitions.
Fenerbahçe president confirms Erdoğan’s involvement
Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran confirmed the deal in an official statement, while also acknowledging political support behind the scenes.
“Our club has successfully completed the transfer of N’Golo Kante, a prominent figure in world football,” Saran said.
“On behalf of myself and our club, I would like to express my gratitude to our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his significant support in ensuring the positive conclusion of this process, which will contribute to the development of both Fenerbahçe and Turkish football,” he added.
Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for his first visit to the country in more than two years, a trip that coincided with the final stages of the transfer process between Al Ittihad and Fener.
Kanté arrives in Istanbul with a decorated résumé. He is a two-time Premier League winner, having lifted the title with Leicester City in 2016 and again with Chelsea a year later.
His relentless work rate and tactical intelligence made him one of the defining midfielders of his generation in England.
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Kanté eyes World Cup return as Fenerbahçe push for silverware
At international level, Kanté remains one of France’s most respected figures. He played a central role in France’s triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, where his performances were widely praised for their consistency and discipline.
He is determined to remain in the picture ahead of the 2026 tournament, which will be staged in North America next summer.
Fenerbahçe believe his experience could prove decisive as they chase domestic and European success. The club, 19-time Turkish champions, are currently locked in a tight title race, sitting three points behind fierce rivals Galatasaray.