N’Golo Kante: Reasons Top Players Are Leaving Saudi Arabia Amid Cristiano Ronaldo Drama
- France international N'Golo Kante refused to train with Al-Ittihad FC as he forced a move back to Europe
- The former Leicester City star was poised to join Fenerbahce before the deal failed during the January transfer window
- Youssef En-Nesyri was a part of the proposed deal to replace Karim Benzema who left for Al Hilal
France international N'Golo Kante reportedly refused to train with Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad in a bid to force a move away from the club; a strategy that eventually paid off.
The one-time UEFA Champions League winner was initially expected to complete a transfer to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but the deal collapsed after a series of complications.
Source: Getty Images
N'Golo Kante protests against Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad and Fenerbahce had reached an agreement, but the transfer was blocked by football’s world governing body, FIFA, after the Turkish club claimed the Saudi side failed to submit the required paperwork on time.
Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri was lined up as part of the deal to replace former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad, but the deal ultimately collapsed.
In a renewed push to secure his transfer, the former UEFA Europa League winner went on strike to force the move to Turkey.
According to the BBC, the only way the 2018 World Cup winner could complete the switch was for Al-Ittihad to terminate his contract and allow him leave as a free agent.
That request was granted on Tuesday, February 3, paving the way for Fenerbahce to sign the midfielder and bolster their squad. The Turkish club announced:
“Our club has successfully completed the transfer of N’Golo Kanté, a prominent figure in world football.”
Why top players are leaving Saudi Arabia
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is widely credited with triggering the influx of star players into the Saudi Pro League, where clubs offered tax-free salaries to lure talent away from Europe.
Source: Getty Images
However, the Portuguese icon reportedly protested internal issues at Al-Nassr and even threatened to leave if conditions did not improve.
According to GiveMeSport, one major reason players are exiting the league is poor match attendance, with some high-profile games reportedly drawing fewer than 100 spectators.
Extreme weather conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, have also made playing conditions difficult.
Cultural differences and Saudi Arabia’s strict religious and social norms have further posed challenges for foreign players adjusting to life in the country.
There are also concerns about international careers, as players fear the league’s competitiveness could reduce their chances of national team call-ups.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman publicly stated that Steven Bergwijn would not be considered for selection after joining Al-Ittihad.
In recent years, players such as Jordan Henderson, João Cancelo, Gabri Veiga, Juanmi and Talisca have all moved to Saudi Arabia, only to leave thereafter.
Messi sets conditions to join Galatasaray
Legit.ng earlier reported that Argentine legend Lionel Messi has reportedly set two conditions for Turkish giants Galatasaray ahead of a potential move during the transfer window.
The Barcelona icon is currently taking part in Inter Miami’s preseason camp after leading the club to the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) title.
Source: Legit.ng
