In a dramatic twist to the January transfer window, world football governing body FIFA has stepped in to block a high-profile move for former Premier League legend N'Golo Kante. The proposed transfer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad to Turkish giants Fenerbahce has collapsed at the final hurdle due to administrative failures.
Transfer Window Closes With Deal In Tatters
The January transfer window officially closed on Monday, leaving clubs across Europe unable to sign new players until the summer market opens. For Fenerbahce, this deadline passed with their ambitious move for two-time Premier League winner Kante in ruins. The Turkish Super Lig side had been pursuing the former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder throughout the window.
Swap Deal That Never Materialised
The transfer was structured as a complex swap arrangement that would have seen Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri move in the opposite direction from Fenerbahce to Al-Ittihad. Reports suggest the deal would have involved a transfer fee of approximately £3 million alongside the player exchange, creating what appeared to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both clubs.
However, the entire agreement unravelled due to what Fenerbahce describe as "administrative failures beyond their control." According to sources close to the Turkish club, Al-Ittihad entered incorrect information into FIFA's official transfer matching system and failed to correct the errors before Monday's critical deadline.
FIFA's Final Decision
Despite last-minute appeals from both clubs involved, FIFA officials rejected attempts to salvage the transfer. The governing body's strict adherence to procedural requirements and transfer regulations meant there was no flexibility to extend deadlines or overlook administrative errors, regardless of the players' stature involved.
This development leaves Kante, who joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 after his Chelsea contract expired, facing an uncertain immediate future. The French World Cup winner will now remain with the Saudi Pro League side until at least the summer, when his current contract is set to expire in June.
Summer Free Transfer Looms
The collapse of this transfer has significant implications for all parties involved. Most notably, Kante could now leave Al-Ittihad as a free agent this summer when his contract concludes, potentially saving any interested club millions in transfer fees. This scenario represents a substantial financial shift from the £3 million fee that was reportedly part of the failed January arrangement.
For Fenerbahce, the failed transfer represents a significant setback in their mid-season squad strengthening plans. The Turkish club had identified Kante as a key addition to bolster their midfield options as they pursue domestic and European ambitions.
The administrative nature of the transfer's collapse raises questions about due diligence processes in international football transactions, particularly involving clubs from different footballing jurisdictions with varying administrative standards and practices.
