Barcelona Reportedly Weighing up Signing Al Ittihad’s N’Golo Kante After Stellar Showing at EURO 2024
La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly in contact with N’Golo Kante’s representatives as they weigh up signing the Al Ittihad player to add a ball-winning midfielder to their ranks.
After the expiration of his contract at Chelsea, Kante left Europe to join Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. The less congested fixture schedule coupled with the reduced intensity of the Saudi Pro League allowed him to maintain fitness and regain his form prior to injuries.
The World Cup winner was then recalled to the French national team after two years away, where he displayed his timeless skills during the EURO 2024 tournament. Following his Euro performances, Barcelona are in touch with his representatives to explore the possibility of a deal before the summer transfer window closes.
There has been no indication from Kante that he’s unhappy at Al Ittihad or he wishes to leave Saudi Arabia. Additionally, defensive midfield is not a priority for cash-strapped Barcelona who have been prioritizing signing a left winger. With Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie facing injury issues and Gundogan reportedly on his way out, Barca are a little thin in midfield, and adding Kante would be a boost.
Kante is not the only ball-winning midfielder on Barcelona’s radar. Others include Amadou Onana (no longer available after signing for Aston Villa) and Martin Zubimendi (rejected Liverpool and intends to stay at Real Sociedad). Barcelona will likely test Al Ittihad’s resolve to hold onto their player if Kante gives them the green light and they have the funds to facilitate the transfer and get him registered. At the moment, it looks like the interest is only at a surface level.
