N’Golo Kanté‘s proposed move from Al Ittihad to Fenerbahce has fallen through, just a day after the Saudi Arabian transfer window closed.
The plan involved Kanté transitioning to Fenerbahce, with Youssef En-Nesyri moving to Al Ittihad, but this arrangement did not come to fruition.
Fenerbahce attributed the failure of the transfer to Al Ittihad in their statement released Tuesday morning, right after the closure of the Saudi transfer window. For Turkish clubs, the transfer window remains open until Friday, February 6.
The statement explained: “Our club has carefully managed the transfer process involving Al Ittihad Club, N’Golo Kanté, and Youssef En-Nesyri in accordance with our operational plans.
“In coordination with our technical team’s requests, agreements with the players were reached, health checks for the transferring player were completed, needed approvals were secured, and all obligations from our side were met promptly. The transfer registration documents were correctly submitted to the system within the required timeframe.
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“However, due to incorrect information entry by the opposing club in the TMS, the transfer procedures could not be finalized within the registration period, which was beyond our control. An extension was requested, and discussions were held with FIFA, with all efforts made to resolve the matter. Unfortunately, the procedures were not completed by the opposing club, without any justification for the delays.
“As a result, this transfer process could not be finalized.
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“We understand the disappointment this situation has caused within our community.
“Our club remains committed to shaping its squad with determination and discipline in alignment with our sporting objectives.”
Kanté will continue his tenure at Al Ittihad, while Karim Benzema has left to join league rivals Al Hilal.