French World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté could be set for a remarkable mid-season move within Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal in advanced talks to secure the services of the Al-Ittihad midfielder ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 34-year-old of Malian descent, who lifted the prestigious trophy with Chelsea in 2022, may get another opportunity to compete for global honors when the tournament kicks off this week in The US.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, negotiations are ongoing regarding a short-term loan deal that would see Kanté join Al-Hilal’s star-studded squad for the competition.
“Dialogue over 34yo midfielder moving from #AlHilal to #AlIttihad on short-term loan ahead of competition,” Ornstein reported. “No agreement so far, but optimism deal can happen.”
The proposed transfer presents unique complications as both clubs fall under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ownership.
Should the deal materialize, Kanté would link up with former Premier League stars including Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and ex-Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly at the Riyadh-based giants.
Al-Hilal face a daunting opening fixture against Real Madrid on Wednesday, with potential subsequent matches against RB Salzburg and Mexican side Pachuca.
The Saudi Pro League leaders are racing against time to complete the paperwork before tonight’s registration deadline for the tournament.
Such intra-league temporary transfers remain rare in world football, particularly involving players of Kanté’s stature.
