Premier League Team Plotting Shock Move For Ex-Chelsea Midfielder Kanté: Report

Last Updated:January 17, 2026, 11:39 IST

West Ham are eyeing a move for N’Golo Kanté as the former Chelsea star looks to leave Al Ittihad and return to European football.

N'Golo Kante is marked by Hilal's Portuguese midfielder #08 Ruben Neves (Picture credit: AFP)

West Ham United are all set to sign former Chelsea and current Al-Ittihad midfielder N’Golo Kanté. He has been linked with an exit from the Saudi Pro League in January, with multiple clubs interested.

As per a report by Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, Kanté is keen on a return to Europe, with Fenerbahçe leading the race. The Turkish club are in talks with Al Ittihad, while West Ham United have also shown interest.

Jacobs added that the Turkish team are confident of striking a deal with both Kanté and the Saudi Pro League club. He reported that Kanté has permitted them to open talks with his team, though West Ham remain in the race.

“Kante wants the move. Fenerbahce are the frontrunners, even though I am told West Ham also made another enquiry in the last 48 hours, but Fenerbahce are leading the race," Jacobs said.

“They are confident that they have got the buy-in from the player, but they have still got some work to do with Al Ittihad," Jacobs added.

Kanté has impressed at Al Ittihad since joining from Chelsea, lifting the league title in his first season with the club. The former Chelsea star is now ready for a new challenge and is open to a return to Europe.

On July 16, 2016, Kanté signed a five-year contract with Chelsea in a deal worth £32 million, according to reports. Arsenal were said to have pulled out of the race because the agent fees exceeded £10 million, opting instead to sign Granit Xhaka.

As per Football Leaks, Chelsea had proposed routing part of Kanté’s salary through an offshore account to reduce tax liabilities, an offer he declined. His lawyer later stated in an email that ‘N’Golo is flexible; he wants a normal salary’.

On August 15, 2016, Kante made his competitive debut in Chelsea’s season opener against West Ham United.

News sports football Premier League Team Plotting Shock Move For Ex-Chelsea Midfielder Kanté: Report

Read More