In an extraordinary demonstration of sports diplomacy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leveraged his state visit to Saudi Arabia to facilitate French midfielder N’Golo Kante’s high-profile transfer from Al-Ittihad to Fenerbahce FC.
During Tuesday’s diplomatic meetings in Riyadh, President Erdogan personally raised the transfer negotiations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to multiple Turkish media reports. The presidential intervention came after Fenerbahce board members contacted Erdogan’s delegation prior to the Saudi visit, briefing him on the stalled transfer process.
Journalist Burak Dogan, citing insider sources, revealed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accommodated Erdogan’s request by instructing Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to resume negotiations and finalize the agreement. The Saudi club subsequently confirmed the transfer through an official press statement.
The financial terms reflect a significant compromise from Kante, who will receive a net annual salary of €8 million at Fenerbahce—substantially less than the €24-25 million he earned in Saudi Arabia. The clubs agreed to a €4 million transfer fee to settle the remainder of Kante’s contract with Al-Ittihad, according to Sky Sport reports.
Kante departs Saudi Arabia after a successful stint where he helped Al-Ittihad secure both the Saudi Pro League title and the King’s Cup. During the 2024-25 season, the French international recorded four goals and four assists across 35 matches in all competitions.
Fenerbahce officially acknowledged Erdogan’s involvement in a press release, extending “sincere gratitude” for the president’s “valuable support” in ensuring the transfer’s successful conclusion. Erdogan is known to be a supporter of Fenerbahce, one of Istanbul’s historic “Big Four” football clubs.