Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal are intensifying efforts to secure a short-term loan deal for French midfielder N’Golo Kanté from rivals Al Ittihad, aiming to bolster their squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.
The negotiations, which have gained significant traction in recent hours, reflect Al Hilal’s ambitious strategy to strengthen their midfield ahead of the tournament, where they are the sole Saudi representative after winning the 2021 AFC Champions League.
Kanté, a 34-year-old World Cup winner and former Chelsea star, has been a standout performer for Al Ittihad since joining on a free transfer in July 2023.
With 81 appearances and a key role in their Saudi Pro League title triumph last season, the defensive midfielder’s experience and tireless work rate make him a prime target for Al Hilal’s new head coach, Simone Inzaghi, who was appointed last week.
The loan deal, described as a “short-term” arrangement, would see Kanté temporarily join Al Hilal for the duration of the Club World Cup, which kicks off with their match against Real Madrid on June 18, followed by fixtures against Red Bull Salzburg on June 22 and Pachuca on June 26.
While no agreement has been finalised, sources indicate optimism that a deal can be struck, facilitated by the fact that both clubs are controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which acquired Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Ahli in 2023.
The PIF’s oversight could streamline negotiations, though discussions are ongoing to determine the terms, including any potential loan fee or shared wage structure for Kanté’s €100 million-per-season contract.
Fans show the excitement, with one fan noting, “Kanté’s energy in Al Hilal’s midfield could be a game-changer for the Club World Cup.”
Al Hilal’s pursuit of Kanté comes amid a broader transfer strategy to reinforce their squad before the FIFA-imposed transfer deadline at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday for Club World Cup participants.
The club has faced challenges in landing other high-profile targets, with names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Victor Osimhen, and Bruno Fernandes reportedly turning down offers.
Despite these setbacks, Al Hilal’s existing squad, featuring stars like Rúben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Kalidou Koulibaly—Kanté’s former Chelsea teammate—remains formidable.
Opta analytics give Al Hilal a greater than 50 per cent chance of advancing from their group, though they face stiff competition from European powerhouses like Manchester City and Juventus in later rounds.
Kanté’s potential move would mark a significant moment in his illustrious career, which includes Premier League titles with Leicester City and Chelsea, a Champions League crown, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
His recent performances at UEFA Euro 2024, where he earned back-to-back Player of the Match awards, underscored his enduring quality despite doubts about his form in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Ittihad, however, may be reluctant to weaken their squad, even temporarily, given Kanté’s pivotal role under coach Laurent Blanc alongside stars like Karim Benzema.
As talks progress, Al Hilal are also exploring other loan options within the Saudi Pro League, with reports suggesting interest in Al Ahli’s Riyad Mahrez, though those discussions have met resistance.
The outcome of Kanté’s potential transfer could set the tone for Al Hilal’s Club World Cup campaign, as they aim to make a global statement under Inzaghi’s leadership.
For now, fans and analysts alike await confirmation of a deal that could reunite Kanté with Koulibaly and elevate Al Hilal’s midfield dynamism on the world stage.