Abdoulaye Kante: Ivorian midfielder joins Al-Ettifaq from Middlesbrough

Ivorian midfielder Abdoulaye Kante has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq from Middlesbrough, completing a move that takes the 21-year-old to Saudi Arabia after a short spell in the Championship.

Kante, who plays as a defensive midfielder, had been with Middlesbrough since July 2025. He made one Championship appearance for the club during the current campaign before switching to Al-Ettifaq on 30 August 2026.

The move brings Kante’s time in England to an end after just over a year. He initially joined Middlesbrough from Troyes in a €3 million transfer, having developed in France with Troyes and the club’s under-19 side.

Kante spent part of the 2025-26 season on loan at Saint-Etienne. He moved to the French club in January 2026 and returned to Middlesbrough at the end of that loan spell in June.

His arrival gives Al-Ettifaq a defensive midfield option who is listed at 1.80m and favours his right foot. The Ivorian has a market value of €5 million and joins a club competing in the Saudi Pro League.

Kante began his senior football career with Troyes after progressing from Montfermeil’s under-19 team. His move to Al-Ettifaq is his fourth senior club, following spells with Troyes, Middlesbrough and Saint-Etienne.

At Middlesbrough, he was involved in the opening stages of the 2026-27 Championship campaign, appearing in the league but not featuring in the EFL Cup before his departure. His switch to Al-Ettifaq now represents a return to a new league and country at the start of his professional career.

Kante has signed a contract with Al-Ettifaq that runs until 30 June 2030.