Done Deal
GOLO GONE
N’Golo Kante’s transfer to Al-Ittihad on £86million contract CONFIRMED as ex-Chelsea star seen in new kit for first time
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N’GOLO KANTE’S transfer to Al-Ittihad on an £86million contract has been confirmed.
And the ex-Chelsea star has even been seen in the Saudi side’s kit for the first time.
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Kante, 32, has penned a four-year contract with Al-Ittihad and will pocket £21.5m each season.
The French World Cup winner was out of contract at Stamford Bridge.
Kante looked set to extend his stay for a further two years before picking up another injury towards the end of the campaign.
And his free transfer to the Middle East brings down the curtain on one of the great Premier League careers.
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Chelsea fired a farewell message to Kante on social media.
Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: "N’Golo’s impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated.
"His tireless performances in midfield contributed to several trophy wins and has guaranteed him a place in the club’s history. We wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter in his career."
Kante first came to England in 2015, signing for Leicester from Caen for £5.5million.
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He was an immediate success under Claudio Ranieri, and played 37 times as Leicester stormed to a historic title win.
A year later, Chelsea moved for him in a £32m deal following a request from new boss Antonio Conte.
And Kante became the first player since Eric Cantona in 1993 to win back-to-back titles with two different clubs.
He went on to play 269 times for Chelsea, also winning an FA Cup and the Europa League.
But Kante’s greatest moment came in 2021 when his man-of-the-match performances helped Chelsea overcome Real Madrid and then Man City in the final to win the Champions League.
Unfortunately, injuries took their toll in London.
Kante played just seven times in the league last season, and just nine times in all competitions.
He now links up with former international pal and ex-Real superstar Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad.
And Kante’s Chelsea exit coincides with the arrival of fellow Frenchman Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
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