West Ham United Opens Negotiations with Al-Ittihad for N’Golo Kanté Transfer

In a significant move during the ongoing summer transfer window, West Ham United has initiated talks with Al-Ittihad to secure the services of French midfielder N’Golo Kanté. According to The Guardian, the London-based club has offered £20 million for Kanté, who joined Al-Ittihad last summer on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea expired.

The French international has expressed his willingness to return to England and join West Ham, despite his contentment in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, where his contract runs until June 2026. The interest from West Ham is driven by their newly appointed manager, Julen Lopetegui, who took over from David Moyes earlier this summer. Lopetegui has long admired Kanté and had previously pushed for Real Madrid to sign him during his tenure with the Spanish giants in 2019.

Kanté has made a notable impact at Al-Ittihad, featuring in 30 Saudi Pro League matches and playing eight games in the UEFA Euro 2024, where he was named Man of the Match twice. The midfielder’s illustrious career includes stints with Chelsea from the 2016-2017 season until 2022-2023, during which he won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and was named the Premier League Player of the Season in 2017.

This potential transfer highlights West Ham’s ambition to strengthen their squad with experienced and high-caliber players, aiming to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.