N'Golo Kanté attracting January interest amid Al-Ittihad extension talks | OneFootball

N'Golo Kanté is under contract at Al-Ittihad until June 2026, yet his future remains open. According to L'Équipe, the club want to keep the 34-year-old for at least one more season, while others weigh a January move.

The French midfielder has been a mainstay this season. He missed only one game, was benched only for the King Cup first round against Al-Wehda, a 1-0 win on 23 September, and started the other 16, going off late three times.

Kanté, signed from Chelsea in 2023, has not yet agreed new terms. Talks are described as tentative, with initial feelers but no formal offer to his camp.

In recent days Al-Ittihad submitted a one-year deal, plus a one-year option, to the Saudi League for financial clearance before sending it to the player. With funding tied to the Public Investment Fund rather than the club, prior approval is required.

An agreement is not imminent. Other Saudi sides, plus English and French clubs, have made contact for January, though chances are slim unless Al-Ittihad authorise an early exit.

Several tried in the summer, including Al-Qadsiah, Al-Hilal, Monaco and Paris FC, without success. Privately, Kanté is understood to listen to a compelling approach, but persuading Al-Ittihad may be the bigger hurdle.

Source: L'Équipe