Everton and West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing 34-year-old French international N’Golo Kante from Al-Ittihad in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Turkish outlet Sabah, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton and West Ham United are interested in N’Golo Kante. The two Premier League clubs are eager to reinforce their first-team squads by signing a holding midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 34-year-old Al-Ittihad star has emerged as a target for them.
The latest report has revealed that the Frenchman is also a target for Fenerbahce. However, the Turkish Super Lig giants “are not in favour of paying a high fee” to sign the former Chelsea midfield powerhouse in the winter transfer window, as his contract with Al-Ittihad expires in less than six months. That is not a problem for Everton and West Ham, and a return to the Premier League may be on the cards for Kante.
How has N’Golo Kante fared since leaving Chelsea?
N’Golo Kante has been one of the best players in the Saudi Pro League since completing a shock move to Al-Ittihad from Chelsea in July 2023. The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Tigers, making over 100 appearances thus far while chipping in with nine goals and ten assists.
However, Kante’s long-term future at Al-Ittihad is uncertain, as he has entered the final six months of his contract with the Saudi Pro League club. Meanwhile, the French midfielder’s stock remains high, with Everton and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window. The two Premier League clubs have also expressed their interest in the World Cup winner.
Premier League return on the horizon?
Everton’s interest in N’Golo Kante is understandable. The Toffees have been scouring the market for a holding midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, as David Moyes wants more options in the middle of the park. Several candidates, including Gabriel Sara, have thus emerged on Everton’s wishlist, with Kante also a viable target.
As for West Ham United, James Ward-Prowse has no future at the London Stadium, with Nuno Espirito Santo approving his sale this month. Additionally, Guido Rodriguez will likely leave West Ham in the winter transfer window. Several candidates, including Yaser Asprilla, have thus emerged on the East London club’s wishlist as they aim to land a new midfielder.
The latest report has revealed that the 34-year-old Frenchman is also a target for Fenerbahce. However, the Yellow Canaries “are not in favour of paying a high fee” to sign the former Chelsea midfield powerhouse in the winter transfer window, as his contract with Al-Ittihad expires in less than six months. That is not a problem for Everton and West Ham, and a return to the Premier League may be on the cards for Kante.