N’Golo Kanté has left Chelsea to join Al Ittihad, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League.
Kanté’s departure from Chelsea was confirmed following the expiration of his contract. The 32-year-old midfielder has reportedly signed a lucrative deal with Al Ittihad, believed to be worth €100 million over four seasons, a figure that includes image rights and commercial endorsements. This deal will see Kanté’s earnings more than quadruple from his time at Chelsea, marking a significant financial leap for the player.
Don't listen to the fake news⛔️
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 20, 2023
Kanté is an Ittihad player now! ✍️🤩
📦 to 📦#WelcomeBox2Box
pic.twitter.com/1LV3lE0MqU
The French international leaves behind a legacy at Chelsea, having played 269 games for the west London club. During his tenure, Kanté was instrumental in the team’s success, helping them secure the Premier League title, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Europa League, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. His contributions on the field were matched by his 13 goals and 16 assists, a testament to his versatility and commitment to the team.
Kanté’s move to Al Ittihad marks the second high-profile signing for the Saudi club, following the arrival of Karim Benzema, Kanté’s former international teammate. The pair’s reunion at Al Ittihad is expected to bolster the team’s performance in the upcoming 2023/24 campaign.