N’Golo Kanté Joins Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia
21 Jun 2023 at 00:33
In a surprising move, N’Golo Kanté, the star player, has succumbed to the allure of big money in Saudi Arabia. The French midfielder has decided to continue his career at Al Ittihad, where he will become a teammate of his compatriot Karim Benzema. The announcement was made on Tuesday, leaving fans and football enthusiasts shocked.
Kanté, 32, was available on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea, and he wasted no time in signing a four-year contract in the Middle East. According to various media reports, he will earn a staggering total of 100 million euros in salary, with additional income from portrait rights.
Following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema, Kanté becomes the third international star player to fall for the Saudi petrodollars. Just two weeks ago, Benzema signed a mega contract worth 600 million euros with Al Ittihad, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo has been playing for Al Nassr since January, further highlighting the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in the football world.
Kanté’s role at Chelsea last season was limited due to a lingering hamstring injury. The 2018 French World Cup champion only managed to participate in seven league matches. His injury sidelined him from August 2022 to February 2023, causing him to miss the World Cup in Qatar.
During his time at Chelsea since the 2016/2017 season, Kanté played in 269 official matches, scoring thirteen goals. He was instrumental in helping the London club win prestigious titles such as the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Europa League.
Before his successful stint at Chelsea, Kanté played for Leicester City, where he surprisingly became a national champion in 2016. The defensive midfielder then made a switch to Chelsea for around 36 million euros. Prior to his time at Leicester City, Kanté played in the lower divisions of French football.
N’Golo Kanté’s decision to join Al Ittihad marks another significant transfer in the football world, highlighting the increasing financial power of Saudi Arabia. As fans bid farewell to Kanté’s time in the Premier League, they will undoubtedly be curious to see how he performs in his new adventure in the Middle East.
(Photo: AFP)
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Previously a vital part of Chelsea’s midfield and played a crucial role in their success, including their Premier League titles in 2017 and 2021, as well as their UEFA Champions League victory in 2021.
While the exact details of Kanté’s contract with Al Ittihad have not been disclosed, it has been reported that the midfielder could earn a significant salary from his move to Saudi Arabia. Sporting News states that the salary he could potentially earn is undisclosed, but it is expected to be substantial.
This move to Al Ittihad represents a significant change for Kanté as he leaves behind one of the top clubs in Europe for a new challenge in the Saudi Arabian league. The decision has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, who question the motives behind this transfer.
Kanté’s move to Al Ittihad not only provides him with a lucrative salary but also presents an opportunity for him to experience a different football culture and potentially leave a lasting legacy in Saudi Arabia. While some may view this move as a step down in his career, it is important to remember that football players have different goals and motivations.
Only time will tell how successful Kanté will be in Saudi Arabia and whether this move will be a positive one for his career. However, there is no denying the impact he has had on the footballing world, and his presence in the Saudi Arabian league will undoubtedly attract attention and raise the profile of football in the region.
Overall, N’Golo Kanté’s move to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia represents a surprising and significant change in his career. While the financial aspect is undoubtedly a factor in this decision, it also presents Kanté with a new challenge and an opportunity to leave his mark on the footballing world in a different environment.
“N’Golo Kanté’s move to Al Ittihad is indeed a surprising one, but his undeniable talent and work ethic will undoubtedly grace the Saudi Arabian league. The midfield maestro’s relentless energy and defensive prowess will be sorely missed in Europe, but we wish him all the best in this new chapter of his career.”
“Sad to see such a talented player leave the Premier League, but wishing N’Golo Kanté all the best in his new adventure at Al Ittihad. His work rate and skills will surely be missed!”