N’Golo Kante, the talented French midfielder who won the World Cup in 2018, has made a surprising move to join Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad.
The club announced the signing on Twitter, expressing their excitement and welcoming Kante to the team.
Kante, known for his tireless work ethic, adds to the growing trend of European football stars choosing to play in Saudi Arabia.
His impressive club career includes winning the Champions League and World Club Cup with Chelsea, as well as two Premier League titles with both Leicester City and Chelsea.
The details of Kante’s contract were not disclosed, but Al Ittihad described his signing as one of the most significant and influential in the club’s history.
They aim to establish themselves as a preferred destination for top-class players in the Saudi Professional League. Kante’s arrival follows that of fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad earlier.
Saudi Arabia’s league has been attracting high-profile players, with Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr in January.
There are also reports of Ruben Neves, formerly of Wolves, set to join Al Hilal.
The kingdom’s ambitious sports initiatives, fueled by its oil wealth, have led to significant investments in various sports.
Hosting the World Cup is a primary goal for Saudi Arabia, as it seeks to enhance its international standing and diversify its oil-dependent economy by attracting tourists and investors.
Additionally, the country is set to host the men’s Asian Cup football, the Asian Games, and even the Asian Winter Games in the coming years.
