"When I saw the article I said, what?" - Frank Leboeuf urges Chelsea to re-sign former player who's 'still at the top'
Frank Leboeuf has questioned why Chelsea have not tried re-signing N'Golo Kante this summer. The French midfielder has been touted with a potential return to the Premier League.
Kante joined the Blues in 2016 after playing an instrumental role in Leicester City's shock Premier League triumph the season prior. He enjoyed quite a successful career with the west Londoners, winning the league, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Supercup.
Kante left Chelsea last summer on a free transfer and joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. Some questioned the 33-year-old's call-up for the European Championships, having left Europe to play in the Middle East.
However, Kante showed no signs of wavering as he shined for France at Euro 2024, starting all their fixtures in Germany. After just one season in Saudi Arabia, Kante has been linked with a return to the Premier League. West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing the Frenchman.
Leboeuf is shocked by the rumors, failing to understand why Chelsea aren't pursuing him. He said on ESPN (via Metro):
"When I saw the article I said, what? Why don’t Chelsea call him back? The guy is from Chelsea. We don’t want to see him at West Ham, with all due respect, and I think if West Ham can get him, you know, that’s a very good catch because that guy has proven during the Euros that he was still at the top."
According to reports, West Ham will face competition for Kante's signature as Barcelona are interested as well.
"No, it’s not over" - Former Chelsea star N'Golo Kante's comments on Europe return at Euro 2024
N'Golo Kante has refused to rule out a potential return to Europe amid links with West Ham United and Barcelona. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has hinted that he could leave the Middle East to return to Europe's top-flight.
At a press conference during the 2024 European Championships, Kante was asked whether his career in Europe was over. The former Leicester City midfielder said (via Metro):
"No, it’s not over. I appreciate the feedback. In Saudi Arabia, it’s new football, a new experience. Finding these feelings again with the French team is beautiful, it touches me, we want to do well. But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today."
N'Golo Kante registered 269 appearances across all competitions during his time in west London, contributing 13 goals and 16 assists for the Blues.