Yahoo Sports West Ham open talks to sign N’Golo Kante for £20m
West Ham are in talks with Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad over the transfer of midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to The Guardian.
The 33-year-old French star could be on his way back to the Premier League after a year away.
Kante left Chelsea last summer for Saudi Arabia as the new owners cleared out players from the old regime.
The Frenchman had struggled with injuries in the final years of his stay at Stamford Bridge while being the highest-paid player at the club. Chelsea allowed him to walk for free to Al Ittihad.
Surprisingly, the former Leicester City star stayed fit for most of the 2023/24 campaign, showing glimpses of the world-class midfielder that stamped his authority in the Premier League for years.
Consequently, France manager Didier Deschamps recalled him to the national team for the 2024 European Championship.
The midfield general delivered the goods, helping Les Bleus reach the semi-finals and reminding the world of his enduring quality at the highest level.
Following his excellent Euro 2024, it is no surprise that Europe is beckoning, and he could land at the London Stadium if all goes to plan.
Kante is reportedly content with his current situation but is open to a return to London, and West Ham are prepared to shell out £20 million for his services.
The East Londoners are desperate for a defensive midfielder after a disappointing loan stint from Kalvin Phillips last season.
New manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly a long-time admirer of Kante and even tried to sign him during his short spell at Real Madrid.
Kante is an impressive coup for the Hammers
Kante’s Premier League stint was nothing short of remarkable. He was instrumental in Leicester’s historic title win in 2016, a feat he replicated with Chelsea the following year after a £32 million move.
He added the Champions League, FA Cup, and Europa League titles to his cabinet at Stamford Bridge. He was named PFA Player of the Year in 2017.
The 61-cap France international was a key figure in their 2018 World Cup triumph, and his experience and leadership are exactly what West Ham need in this new era under Lopetegui.
If West Ham manage to secure his signature, it would be a major coup, even if his age is an issue. His signing would signal the club’s intent to challenge for European qualification and potentially more under Lopetegui.
