N'Golo Kante 'set for shock short-term loan move' ahead of the Club World Cup - with France star 'to be reunited' with former Chelsea team-mate

 N'Golo Kante 'set for shock short-term loan move' ahead of the Club World Cup - with France star 'to be reunited' with former Chelsea team-mate

Saudi club Al-Hilal is negotiating a short-term loan deal for N'Golo Kante from rivals Al-Ittihad as they prepare for the Club World Cup, set to begin June 15 in the United States. The tournament will feature 32 teams, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, with Al-Hilal as the sole Saudi Pro League representative. 

According to The Athletic, while no agreement has been finalized, there is optimism a deal can be reached. If completed, Kante would reunite with former Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Al-Hilal in 2023. Both clubs are controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli. Kante, 34, has been with Al-Ittihad since leaving Chelsea in 2023, making 81 appearances, scoring eight goals, and helping them win the Saudi Pro League title last season.

As the Club World Cup approaches, several teams are rushing to finalize transfers. However, Chelsea’s attempt to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan collapsed after the clubs failed to agree on a fee, despite the Blues’ recent push to secure the Frenchman before the transfer window closes. The tournament kicks off with Al Ahly facing Inter Miami, and clubs are under pressure to strengthen their squads for the global competition.

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