Kanté in Turkey? World Cup Spotlight Sparks Transfer Talk as Al-Ittihad Eyes Winter Moves
13 January 2026
World Cup 2026 and Kanté’s potential move
Will the French star N'Golo Kanté move to the Turkish league? The Saudi club Al-Ittihad has a decision to make as talk of a move to Fenerbahçe surfaces, ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Trusted journalist Santi Ona revealed on X that discussions have taken place in recent hours between Fenerbahçe and Kanté’s agent to finalize a transfer.
Ona added that the Frenchman does not object to the idea of joining the Turkish club during the current winter window.
It’s noted that Kanté’s contract with Al-Ittihad runs through the end of the season, which could allow a move on a free if not resolved, potentially pushing the club to sell in January rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer.
Kanté joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea, establishing himself as a starter and helping the Western club clinch a domestic double last season.
As the January window buzz intensifies, supporters and analysts alike wonder where the French midfielder’s future lies, with Europe and Turkey both in play and the World Cup looming in 2026.
Punchlines aside, football is a quirky business: talent plus timing equals headlines. If Kanté moves to Turkey, the midfield could become a textbook on organization—so tight that even the ball might file an internship request for his coaching. If he stays, the rumor mill will likely keep grinding louder than a coffee machine before kickoff.
