West Ham United are reportedly interested in bringing N’Golo Kante back to the Premier League. Kante, who moved to Saudi Arabia last summer to join Al Ittihad on a four-year contract, is now being considered by West Ham for a return to English football.
This transfer interest comes as part of a larger movement that saw high-profile players like Karim Benzema and Neymar relocate to the Middle East.
At 33 years old, Kante was once regarded as the best defensive midfielder globally, significantly contributing to Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title win in 2016.
His outstanding performance caught Chelsea’s attention, where he helped secure the Premier League title in his first season and later won the Champions League, Europa League, and Club World Cup among other major trophies.
However, Kante’s final season at Chelsea was marred by mounting injury issues, limiting him to just seven Premier League appearances.
Despite these setbacks, he seemed to regain his form at Euro 2024, delivering a standout performance in midfield as France progressed to the semi-finals.
The Guardian reports that West Ham are actively negotiating with Kante’s representatives for a potential return to England. There appears to be a mutual willingness from both the club and the player to finalize a deal.
The suggested transfer fee is around £20 million. New West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui, a long-time admirer of Kante from his tenure as Real Madrid manager, is keen on bringing the midfielder to London Stadium. Kante himself hinted before Euro 2024 that he was open to returning to European football, despite enjoying his time in Saudi Arabia.
Kante commented on his future by saying, “No, it’s not over. I appreciate the feedback. In Saudi Arabia, it’s new football, a new experience.
Finding these feelings again with the French team is beautiful, it touches me, we want to do well. But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today. I feel good, last season went well with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, we had a good preparation with the French team. At the moment I feel good, I hope this continues.”
West Ham’s need for additional central midfielders is pressing. Last season’s loan spell of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City was a failure, and Flynn Downes has permanently moved to Southampton, leaving the club with Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, and James Ward-Prowse as the main midfield options, discounting the more attacking Lucas Paqueta.
Historically, West Ham has been linked with big-name players, only for potential transfers to fall through. Kante would bring star quality, experience, and a winning mentality to the team, aligning with West Ham’s ambitions.
However, concerns about his fitness, given his recent injury history at Chelsea, and his high wages in Saudi Arabia, are significant obstacles. Kante reportedly earns over £400,000 per week, a figure far beyond what even the wealthiest Premier League clubs can afford, let alone West Ham. For a deal to be feasible, Kante would need to agree to a substantial pay cut.
Given Kante’s age, West Ham would be investing £20 million in a player with no resale value. Additionally, the club needs to strengthen in other areas, such as right-back, center-forward, and potentially another center-back due to Kurt Zouma’s knee issues and Nayef Aguerd’s transfer links.
The potential signing of Kante is a rare opportunity. While it remains to be seen if West Ham will pursue this path, the prospect of adding a player of Kante’s caliber is intriguing, despite the inherent risks and financial challenges.
