Fenerbahce have completed a dramatic late swoop for France midfielder N'Golo Kanté, announcing the signing of the 34‑year‑old from Saudi Pro League side Al‑Ittihad.
What began as a transfer mired in confusion and public finger‑pointing ended with the former Chelsea engine room arriving in Istanbul to bolster the Turkish giants' midfield.
On Tuesday, the move looked dead in the water after Fenerbahce accused Al‑Ittihad of failing to submit the necessary paperwork that would have sent Morocco striker Youssef En‑Nesyri the other way.
The clubs traded terse statements, and fans braced for disappointment, only for the story to take a sudden turn.
By Wednesday, the impasse had been cleared, and the deal revived, with Fenerbahce confirming Kanté’s arrival after two and a half seasons in Saudi Arabia.
The midfielder brings a glittering résumé to Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium: Champions League, Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup honours won during his time at Chelsea, plus the title‑winning season he helped engineer at Leicester City before his move to Stamford Bridge.
En‑Nesyri, 28, will slot into the forward role vacated by Karim Benzema, who departed earlier this week for Saudi rivals Al‑Hilal.
Fenerbahce’s summer of upheaval has suddenly acquired a blockbuster finish; a combative midfield talisman in Kanté and a fresh attacking option in En‑Nesyri, signaling the club’s intent to shake up the landscape both domestically and in Europe.
