N’Golo Kanté has signed with Al-Ittihad
Former Chelsea midfielder and 2018 World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté signed a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad Wednesday morning, according to Fabrizio Romano.
N’Golo Kanté to Al Ittihad, here we go! ⚫️ #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
◉ Medical tests completed in London.
◉ 2 year deal with an option for further season.
◉ €100m per season salary — figure includes image rights, commercial deals and ‘creative’ portfolio. pic.twitter.com/aHflFM9VMI
The 32-year-old is heading to Saudi Arabia on a two-year deal worth €100 million ($106.9m) per year. There is an option for an additional year.
This is the second massive signing by the current Saudi Pro League champions after they signed Karim Benzema on a three-year, $643m deal this past Sunday. The addition of Kanté has made them an early candidate to defend their title next season.
Kanté was one of the best midfielders in the world before injuries ruined his season at Chelsea. This past season he played in just nine matches, picking up a single assist. He unfortunately missed the majority of the Premier League season due to a hamstring injury, and after playing in five matches a groin injury ended his season.
During his prime seasons, Kanté was known for his incredible stamina and control in the center of the pitch. He could be a real issue for the defenses of the Saudi Pro League.
Included in his contract with Al-Ittihad are image rights, commercial deals and a ‘creative’ investment portfolio. That probably means that Kanté will be making more than his contract states.
There was talk of Kanté signing a new contract with Chelsea earlier this year. According to ESPN, a deal seemed inevitable, but clearly, something went wrong along the way as Kanté is heading off to join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
It will be interesting to see how his health and fitness improve as the 2023-24 season gets closer. Either way, this is a big signing for Al-Ittihad and maybe a move that will see Kanté return to his classy way of play.
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