Kante Joins Fenerbahce as Turkish President Erdogan Intervenes

French midfielder N’Golo Kante has completed a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, with the Istanbul-based side confirming that the transfer was facilitated with the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Fenerbahce announced the signing on Wednesday, ending weeks of uncertainty after the deal had initially stalled due to what was described as an administrative error.

World Cup winner Kante, who turns 35 next month, had been expected to move to Istanbul earlier in the transfer window, but complications delayed the completion of the deal.

The length and financial terms of his contract were not disclosed.

The former Leicester City and Chelsea midfielder, who won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016 and Chelsea in 2017, will now have the opportunity to revive his European career and strengthen his bid for inclusion in France’s squad for the next World Cup.

Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran confirmed the role played by Erdogan in finalising the transfer, expressing appreciation for the president’s intervention.

“Our club has successfully completed the transfer of N’Golo Kante, a prominent figure in world football,” Saran said in a statement. “On behalf of myself and our club, I would like to express my gratitude to our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his significant support in ensuring the positive conclusion of this process, which will contribute to the development of both Fenerbahce and Turkish football.”

Erdogan was in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on his first official visit to the country in more than two years, a trip which coincided with the final stages of negotiations between Fenerbahce and Al-Ittihad.

Kante joins a growing list of high-profile signings at Fenerbahce, who have also brought in his France international teammate Matteo Guendouzi during the winter transfer window as they intensify their push for domestic and continental success.

The 19-time Turkish champions are currently locked in a fierce title race, sitting three points behind city rivals Galatasaray in the Super Lig standings. They are also preparing for a Europa League knockout phase play-off clash against English side Nottingham Forest later this month.

Fenerbahce hope Kante’s experience and leadership will bolster their midfield as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.