Saudi Pro League clubs have been heavily investing in their league as they have roped in Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and now N’Golo Kante on lucrative deals. Ronaldo joined Al Nassr while Benzema and Kante will join current Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad. There were talks between Kante and Chelsea about a renewal but they were stalled and Al Ittihad’s deal was hard to beat.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Kante will join Al Ittihad on a two-year deal with an option for a further season on a 100 m euros per season salary. The deal includes image rights, commercial deals, and a creative investment portfolio. The midfielder has completed the medicals to join the Arabian Club and will join former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in the Al Ittihad camp.
Al Nassr and Al Ittihad were two potential destinations for the player and Al Ittihad directors flew to London to link up with the PIF delegation and prepare documents for the move. Both clubs are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund along with Al Hilal and Al Ahli. Kante had an amazing career at Chelsea after joining Leceister in 2016, winning almost every trophy possible with the club.
The Saudi Pro League is looking for an attractive destination for players with outrageous salaries and now many top players from Europe moving there. Leo Messi is also rumoured to join Al Hilal on a salary which twice Ronaldo’s but it's unclear whether he will join. Al Ittihad are looking stronger than ever as after winning the league they have further strengthened their squad and will look to defend their title next season.