West Ham United face competition for Chelsea legend N'Golo Kante as European giants enter race - Reports
West Ham United have reportedly been joined by La Liga giants Barcelona in the race to sign former Chelsea hero N'Golo Kante. The French midfielder could leave Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad a year after his arrival.
SPORT journalist Toni Juanmarti reports that Barca are eyeing Kante as a cost-effective addition to help strengthen Hansi Flick's midfield. The veteran midfielder was superb at Euro 2024 with France, impressing with his energy and physicality.
The Blaugrana have had their sights set on Kante for several years but have never made a concrete move for the 2017 France Player of the Year. The Catalans are studying a potential loan deal for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
West Ham have been pursuing Kante but have failed to agree on a deal with Al-Ittihad thus far. The Hammers had a verbal £15 million bid reportedly rejected. He has two years left on his contract at King Abdullah Sports City.
Kante joined the Saudi giants last summer after his contract with Chelsea expired. He made 44 appearances across competitions, registering four goals and six assists.
French coach Laurent Blanc has taken over as Al-Ittihad's new manager, and Kante could flourish under his fellow countryman. However, he must decide whether to remain in Saudi Arabia or return to Europe. As things stand, it appears unlikely a loan departure will be sanctioned.
"It's not finished yet" - Former Chelsea star N'Golo Kante insisted he had unfinished business in Europe
N'Golo Kante took some by surprise when he opted to leave Europe for Saudi giants Al-Ittihad. He was still performing at a high level, albeit suffering some fitness issues at the back end of his Chelsea career.
The two-time Premier League champion was a Stamford Bridge hero, popular for his playing abilities and personality. He made 269 appearances during a seven-year stay in west London.
N'Golo Kante hinted that he would one day return to Europe when speaking during Euro 2024. He said that his move to Saudi was try a new experience (via Get French Football News):
"No, it’s not finished yet. In Saudi, a new kind of football, a new experience. But I’m enjoying my return [to this level]. It’s great to be back with the French team and I’m touched by it. But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today."
Chelsea are unlikely to move for Kante as their new owners have a particular recruitment vision. They tend not to sign players over the age of 25 and are pretty well stacked in midfield.
However, Kante impressed at Euro 2024, playing in all of France's six games on his first return to international duty since 2022. He was perhaps Les Bleus' best performer in Germany.