West Ham’s Ambitious Move for N’Golo Kanté Hits a Wall
- West Ham approaches Al Ittihad for N’Golo Kanté as a top target.
- Direct talks occur between the clubs and the player’s camp.
- Al Ittihad firmly declares no intention to sell Kanté, emphasizing his key role.
West Ham’s Bold Inquiry
In a surprising turn of events, West Ham United has made a direct approach to Al Ittihad regarding the possibility of acquiring N’Golo Kanté. As reported by Will Unwin, the London club sees Kanté as a prime target to bolster their midfield. The discussions have been confirmed by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted:
🚨🟡⚫️ West Ham have approached Al Ittihad to ask about N’Golo Kanté as top target, as @Will_Unwin reported.
Direct talks took place between clubs and with player’s camp.
Al Ittihad current position: no intention to sell Kanté, considered as key player and top professional. https://t.co/9GhqhXsdpl
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 01, 2023
Despite West Ham’s proactive stance, Al Ittihad has made their position clear—N’Golo Kanté is not for sale. The Saudi Pro League club considers the French international an indispensable asset both on and off the field.
N’Golo Kanté: A Stellar Career
N’Golo Kanté’s journey through professional football has been nothing short of remarkable.
Career Highlights:
- Leicester City: Premier League Champion (2015-2016)
- Chelsea:
- Premier League Champion (2016-2017)
- FA Cup Winner (2017-2018)
- UEFA Europa League Winner (2018-2019)
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2020-2021)
- UEFA Super Cup Winner (2021)
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner (2021)
Club Appearances and Goals:
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Boulogne | 38 | 3 |
| Caen | 75 | 4 |
| Leicester City | 37 | 1 |
| Chelsea | 190 | 11 |
| Al-Ittihad | 30 | 2 |
Kanté’s ability to intercept passes, tackle, and cover large areas of the pitch has earned him the reputation of being one of the best defensive midfielders globally. His market value, as of June 2024, stands at €9 million.
Al-Ittihad’s Firm Stance
Al Ittihad has made it crystal clear that N’Golo Kanté is a pivotal part of their squad. With his contract running until June 2026, the club views him as a cornerstone of their strategy and future success. This is in line with Al Ittihad’s recent ambitious transfer activities under new manager Laurent Blanc, who is keen on bringing high-caliber players to the squad.
Related Transfers in the Saudi Pro League
- Al Ittihad Eyes Game-Changing Signings Under New Manager: The club is targeting players like Moussa Diaby and Houssem Aouar to strengthen their team.
- Goalkeeper’s €18M Transfer Deal to Al Nassr Nears Completion: Reflects the growing trend of significant investments in the Saudi Pro League.
- Brazilian Goalkeeper Signs €18M Deal with Saudi Club: Highlights the increasing allure of the Saudi Pro League for international talents.
These moves underline the league’s aggressive strategy to attract top-tier talent, making Kanté’s retention even more critical for Al Ittihad.
