Kante Keeps the Door Ajar: What’s Next for the World Cup Winner at Al-Ittihad?
15 November 2025
Kante’s cryptic stance on his Al-Ittihad future
French veteran N'Golo Kanté, a star in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, has not ruled out future options despite ongoing transfer rumors since last summer’s mercato.
According to the French newspaper Le Parisien, a move to Monaco or Paris Saint-Germain could still be on the table, particularly since Kanté has not extended his contract with Al-Ittihad.
The report notes Kanté has not settled his future and has left the door ajar for all possibilities next summer.
When asked about leaving Al-Ittihad after France’s 4-0 win over Ukraine in World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Kanté suggested he is focused on this season with his club and will reassess later. He added that he wants to enjoy the remaining years of his career and that a return to Ligue 1 or a move to Paris Saint-Germain cannot be ruled out.
Kanté joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea, having featured in 94 matches across all competitions and scoring 9 goals. He has helped the team to Roshen Pro League and King Cup titles, strengthening his standing as a key player for the club.
France call-up and the leadership narrative
He has also played a pivotal leadership role for France, with Didier Deschamps recently including Kanté in a training camp as the team prepares for World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Deschamps praised Kanté as a constant presence, smiling and at his best, with enough experience to contribute for both club and country.
Since his debut for France, Kanté has been regarded as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders, thanks to his exceptional ball recovery, smart positioning, and efficient passing, which keep the team balanced and set the tempo for attackers. His leadership and calm influence have become a hallmark as major tournaments approach.
France’s coach notes that Kanté’s return to form allows the squad to press higher up the pitch and frees forwards like Mbappé to attack with confidence. His work rate and ability to cover vast spaces also enable France to play with an advanced defense when required, a balance that coaches value deeply.
As the World Cup qualifiers approach, Kanté’s role with both club and country remains central, with Deschamps stressing that the midfielder’s experience is essential for France’s ongoing progression.
Saudi league scheduling changes and wider implications
Separately, the Saudi Pro League governing body announced scheduling adjustments for key derbies involving Al-Ittihad. The changes were agreed by the four clubs involved to accommodate stakeholders, including shifting kickoff times for the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad and Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Riyadh matches.
The reported changes saw the clash with Al-Hilal moved to an earlier slot, and the meeting with Al-Riyadh relocated to a later window, illustrating how top clubs balance fan attendance with travel and broadcast considerations.
All in all, Kanté’s future remains open-ended, with elite clubs in Europe still eyeing a potential return, while his impact at Al-Ittihad continues to deepen his legacy in the Saudi Pro League and for France on the international stage.
Punchline 1: If Kanté ever stops intercepting, the ball will finally file a complaint against him for theft of space.
Punchline 2: When Kanté plays, even gravity respects the offside line—talk about a midfield ex officio authority.
