Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad have officially announced the signing of Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri, while also confirming the departure of French midfielder N’Golo Kante to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
In a statement shared on the club’s official X account, the Jeddah-based side revealed that an agreement had been reached to sell the remaining period of Kante’s contract. Al-Ittihad wished the World Cup winner well as he begins the next chapter of his career in Turkey.
📝| The club agrees to sell the remaining period of N’Golo Kanté’s contract. 🐝💛 pic.twitter.com/paZwbxfaAQ
— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) February 3, 2026
Kante joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 and quickly became a key figure in the squad. His influential performances played a major role in the club’s success last season, as they clinched both the Saudi Pro League title and the King Salman Cup.
Shortly after confirming Kante’s exit, Al-Ittihad released a video announcing the signing of Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce. The Moroccan forward is set to lead the line for the Western Province club in the second half of the ongoing season.
🤝 Say Welcome to our new Moroccan sniper 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/fwF2k7qOXu
— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) February 3, 2026
En-Nesyri’s arrival comes in the wake of Karim Benzema’s move to rivals Al-Hilal during the most recent winter transfer window, leaving Al-Ittihad in need of a new focal point in attack.
According to journalist Santi Ona, En-Nesyri terminated his contract with Fenerbahce to facilitate the move after the transfer could not be completed through the usual process before the Saudi winter window closed.
Fenerbahce had earlier released a statement admitting that procedural errors by the federation prevented the deal from being finalised on time. Subsequent reports later confirmed that both clubs found a legal solution, paving the way for En-Nesyri to officially complete his switch to Al-Ittihad.
