N’Golo Kanté signed with Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) for three years. The 32-year-old French midfielder is therefore leaving Europe and perhaps the French team for good. However, neither he nor Deschamps close the door on his return even if the elements are contrary.
A transfer that did not make Didier Deschamps happy far from it. If the coach leaves his players free to choose in the transfer window, he does not appreciate seeing his executives leave European football. There couldn’t be worse than a transfer from N’Golo Kanté to Saudi Arabia. The French midfielder left Chelsea for the formation of Al-Ittihad and a three-year contract. Something to say goodbye (definitely?) to European competitions and the French team. Indeed, Didier Deschamps prefers to take elements evolving in the best clubs and the best championships. Despite the recent influx of stars, the Saudi Pro League does not match the high standard Deschamps requires.
Kanté is no longer essential to the Blues
As L’Equipe reminds us, few French people playing outside Europe have been selected by Deschamps. There is only one, André-Pierre Gignac from 2015 to 2016 while playing in Mexico. However, there is still a chance for N’Golo Kanté since the coach was not as firm as expected. ” I have no objection to the fact that players can go play there and stay. Today I will make sure to follow them “, he even said after his discussion with Kanté. The main interested party himself opened the door in his farewell message to Chelsea published on the networks. “ See you soon on the pitch for new adventures with Al Ittihad and the Blues “, he wrote on Twitter.
💙 N’Golo Kante thinks his farewell to #Chelsea: pic.twitter.com/gR0S9QMROO
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) June 21, 2023
It must be said that Kanté has always been a darling of Deschamps for his crazy physical energy put into the midfield of the French team. However, as the Team analyzes, Kanté is no longer the player of 2018. He is physically worn out by the extended seasons, the staff of the Blues even considering last October that he was no longer fit for matches. at high intensity. This is one of the reasons that pushed him to go to Saudi Arabia, far from the very demanding European football. But that’s what will block a return to blue for very tough international matches. In addition, Deschamps can now do without him in the French team. Young talents grow in the middle as demonstrated by the 2022 World Cup: Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Rabiot before perhaps Fofana, K. Thuram or even Zaire-Emery. Kanté will therefore have to find his level and benefit from a little luck to taste the Blues again.
