N’Golo Kante may be on the verge of a surprising return to English football, according to recent reports. The midfielder, who left England in June 2023 to join Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea expired, has been in impressive form. Despite many believing he was nearing the end of his career, the 33-year-old showcased his talent as a key player for France during Euro 2024.
West Ham United is reportedly looking to bring Kante back to the Premier League ahead of the 2024/25 season. While Kante is content with his current situation, he is open to returning to London, where he lived for seven years. Negotiations are ongoing between West Ham and Al Ittihad, with a transfer fee of £20 million being discussed.
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is eager to strengthen his squad with a new defensive midfielder and has long admired Kante, having attempted to sign him during his time at Real Madrid in 2018. Previously, West Ham had targeted former Manchester City midfielder Aleix Garcia before he joined Bayer Leverkusen, but Kante’s experience and reliability make him a more appealing option.
Kante first arrived in England in 2015 when he signed for Leicester City from Caen for just £5.6 million, playing a pivotal role in their historic Premier League title win. He later moved to Chelsea for £32 million, where he secured another Premier League title and won the PFA Player of the Year award. Over his Premier League career, Kante has made 227 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 17 assists.
As discussions progress, Kante’s potential return to the Premier League could mark an exciting chapter in his career, bringing his wealth of experience back to English football.
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