Archive · 17 Jan 2026
West Ham Eyes Move for Ex-Chelsea Star Kante
N'Golo Kanté, a famous football player who used to play for Chelsea, is currently playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
He wants to come back to Europe to play football again.
Two teams, West Ham United from England and Fenerbahçe from Turkey, are interested in signing him.
Fenerbahçe seems to be ahead in the race, but West Ham is also trying.
Kanté has been doing well in Saudi Arabia and won the league title in his first season there.
He joined Chelsea in 2016 for a lot of money, and now he is looking for a new adventure in his career.
West Ham United and Fenerbahçe are interested in signing N'Golo Kanté from Al Ittihad.
Kanté is keen on returning to European football for a new challenge.
Fenerbahçe is leading the race, with talks ongoing with Al Ittihad.
Kanté has a history with Chelsea, joining them in 2016 for £32 million.
He declined a salary offer involving an offshore account to reduce tax liabilities.
- Who
- N'Golo Kanté, West Ham United, Fenerbahçe, Al Ittihad
- What
- Potential transfer of N'Golo Kanté from Al Ittihad to a European club
- When
- January 2026
- Where
- Europe (specifically Premier League or Turkish Super Lig)
- Why
- Kanté seeks a new challenge and a return to European football
- Player
- N'Golo Kanté
- Current Club
- Al Ittihad
- Interested Clubs
- West Ham United, Fenerbahçe
- Player's Preference
- Return to Europe
- Previous Club
- Chelsea
- Transfer Fee
- Not Disclosed
- Contract Length at Chelsea
- 5 years
- Transfer Fee at Chelsea
- £32 million