Kante Swap Deal Collapses as Fenerbahce Blame Al-Ittihad
Last update: February 3, 2026
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Fenerbahce blames Al-Ittihad for administrative errors that caused the collapse of N’Golo Kanté’s proposed transfer.
Turkish club Fenerbahce have blamed Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for the collapse of a proposed transfer involving France midfielder N’Golo Kanté, describing the failed deal as the result of administrative errors by the Saudi club.
In a statement, Fenerbahce said all agreements had been concluded on their end in a planned swap deal that would have seen Kanté move to Turkey, with Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri heading the other way.
The club insisted that personal terms had already been finalised and all necessary procedures completed.
“Agreements had been reached with the players, and the medical examinations of the player were completed. Our club fulfilled all its obligations completely and on time,” Fenerbahce said.
However, the Istanbul-based side claimed the transfer fell through due to mistakes made by Al-Ittihad during the registration process.
“Due to the opposing club's incorrect entry of the relevant Transfer Matching System information, the transactions could not be completed within the transfer registration period, independently of our club,” the statement added.
Fenerbahce disclosed that efforts were made to rescue the deal, including requesting an extension and engaging in talks with FIFA, but alleged that Al-Ittihad failed to act.
“Despite this, the opposing club has not completed the transactions without providing any justification to us. As a result of these developments, the transfer process unfortunately could not be finalised,” the club said.
CBI News reports that the collapse of the deal comes shortly after Al-Ittihad captain Karim Benzema left the club to join Saudi rivals Al-Hilal, a move that had fuelled speculation that En-Nesyri could be signed as a replacement.
Kanté, 34, joined Al-Ittihad from Chelsea in 2023 after a trophy-laden career in England, where he won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League with Chelsea, as well as playing a central role in Leicester City’s historic 2015–16 Premier League title win.
