N’Golo Kante has sealed his return to European football after completing a move to Fenerbahce, ending his contract with Al Ittihad and signing a deal that runs until June 2028. FIFA approval finally unlocked the transfer after an administrative error threatened to derail the switch beyond the deadline.
The breakthrough arrived less than 24 hours after the deal appeared to collapse. Fenerbahce received confirmation that FIFA had accepted their appeal following technical issues on the Transfer Matching System, allowing the registration to proceed and bringing an abrupt end to the uncertainty around the French midfielder’s future.
The resolution also confirmed the departure of Kante from the Saudi Pro League, with Al Ittihad issuing a formal statement agreeing to release the remaining period of his contract. The clearance opened the door for Kante to complete medical formalities and commit immediately to the Istanbul club.
Kante returns to Europe after a year in Saudi Arabia, bringing elite-level experience and a World Cup pedigree back to the Turkish Super Lig. Fenerbahce, currently second in the league and locked in a title race with Galatasaray, had identified the 32-year-old as a priority addition to stabilise their midfield for the decisive months of the season.
The move also carries continental significance, with Fenerbahce preparing for Europa League knockout football. Kante is expected to be available for the upcoming play-off tie against Nottingham Forest later this month.
The deal initially appeared doomed when the transfer deadline passed without confirmation. Fenerbahce publicly blamed Al Ittihad for a data entry error on the TMS platform, insisting all medicals and documentation had been completed on their side.
Tensions rose as the Turkish club accused their counterparts of failing to upload key documents in time. What followed was a period of intense behind-the-scenes work, with both clubs engaging FIFA to resolve what was deemed a technical failure rather than a procedural breach.
FIFA’s intervention proved decisive. By accepting the appeal, the governing body validated the original submission attempt or allowed the registration to be completed outside the strict deadline framework. The decision transformed a looming administrative embarrassment into a major transfer win for Fenerbahce.
At the same time, the deal was closely tied to movement in the opposite direction. Youssef En Nesyri completed his transfer from Fenerbahce to Al Ittihad, a move that helped balance squad quotas and finances on both sides.
En Nesyri’s departure brings an end to a mixed spell in Turkey, while offering Al Ittihad a proven attacking option as they reshape their squad. For Fenerbahce, Kante’s arrival addresses a clear structural need, adding ball recovery, positional discipline, and leadership in central areas.
Kante is expected to integrate quickly into the starting lineup as Fenerbahce push for domestic silverware and European progress. With the title race tightening and continental fixtures looming, the midfielder’s arrival could prove decisive in defining the club’s season and reestablishing his presence on the European stage.
