N’Golo Kante: Fenerbahce’s France star linked with shock Paris FC return to Ligue 1

N’Golo Kante, the France midfielder currently at Fenerbahce, is being linked with a surprise move to Ligue 1 side Paris FC despite having two years left on his deal in Turkey. The 35-year-old defensive midfielder, born in Paris and under contract at Fenerbahce until June 2028, is understood to be on the French club’s radar as they explore experienced options to anchor their midfield.

Kante only joined Fenerbahce from Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad in February 2026 on a free transfer, arriving with a market value now estimated at around €4m. He has already featured in the Super Lig and domestic cup since moving to Istanbul, adding Super Lig and Turkiye Kupası outings as he beds into Turkish football.

A return to France would mark Kante’s first appearance in Ligue 1 since his early-career spell in the country, and Paris FC are thought to view his elite-level know-how as a way to stabilise their top-flight status. Kante has vast experience in major competitions, including 227 Premier League appearances and a UEFA Champions League triumph with Chelsea in 2020-21, and he was part of France’s World Cup-winning squad in 2018.

Any deal is likely to be complex, with Fenerbahce holding a long-term contract and having invested in Kante as a key figure in the centre of their midfield. For now, the World Cup winner remains a Fenerbahce player, with his future beyond the 2026-27 season still to be resolved.