The anticipated transfer of Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri to Al-Ittihad Jeddah has collapsed, bringing an abrupt end to negotiations that had appeared close to completion during the final hours of the winter transfer window.
Turkish club Fenerbahce confirmed on Tuesday that the process involving En-Nesyri, as well as French midfielder N’Golo Kante, had stalled, despite earlier indications that both moves were progressing smoothly.
The situation unfolded against the backdrop of major changes at Al-Ittihad, including the departure of club captain Karim Benzema to rivals Al-Hilal following the mutual termination of his contract.
Al-Ittihad had entered direct talks with Fenerbahce in a bid to secure En-Nesyri’s services, viewing the Moroccan international as a potential replacement for Benzema.
🚨🛑 N’Golo Kanté to Fenerbahçe and Youssef En-Nesyri to Al Ittihad, deals are both OFF.
FIFA reject the appeal from both clubs, as it was verbally agreed but 𝒏𝒐𝒕 here we go due to documents problems. pic.twitter.com/16MtHHsC3H
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 3, 2026
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had previously confirmed that discussions were underway and moving forward, with the Saudi club exploring formulas that would facilitate the striker’s move to the Saudi Pro League.
However, Fenerbahce later issued a detailed statement explaining why the deal failed to materialise.
The Turkish side insisted that it had fulfilled all requirements, stating: “Ittihad Jeddah carried out the transfer of players N’Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri to the club with utmost precision according to the plan set.”
The statement continued: “Based on the request of the technical staff, agreements were reached with the players, the necessary medical examinations were completed, and the required approvals were obtained. The club has fulfilled all its obligations completely and on time. All documents related to registering the transfers were also uploaded to the system correctly and completely within the specified period.”
Fenerbahce went on to place responsibility for the collapse on the opposing club.
“However, due to the rival club entering incorrect information into the Transfer Matching System (TMS), the deals could not be completed during the registration period, regardless of our club. Accordingly, we requested an extension of the deadline, held the necessary discussions with FIFA, and took all steps to resolve the problem. Despite this, the rival club did not complete the deals without providing any justification,” the club said.
Fenerbahce added, “As a result of these developments, the transition process has unfortunately not been completed… We understand and share the disappointment this has caused our community.”
With the move now officially off the table, En-Nesyri remains a Fenerbahce player, while Al-Ittihad are left to reassess their options following a dramatic end to one of the window’s most closely watched transfer sagas.
