Kante's Wild Saudi Shuffle: The Transfer Nobody Saw Coming

By Lewis Barnett 10 June, 2025 5 mins read 38 Views

So here's something I definitely didn't have on my 2025 bingo card.

N'Golo Kante - yeah, that N'Golo Kante - is apparently about to pull off one of the weirdest moves in recent memory. The 34-year-old French midfielder is getting loaned from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal for... wait for it... just the Club World Cup. According to The Athletic, this short-term deal is basically happening so he can compete in the revamped 32-team tournament starting June 15 in the States.

When Your Boss Owns Half the League

Here's where it gets interesting (and honestly a bit ridiculous). Both Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Same owners. It's like moving from one department to another in the same company, except the company happens to be worth about $700 billion and also owns Newcastle United on the side.

The PIF basically treats Saudi football like their personal FIFA Ultimate Team - they've got Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and a few others in their collection too.

Chelsea Reunion Tour, Saudi Edition

Plot twist: Kante's going to be reunited with Kalidou Koulibaly at Al-Hilal. Remember when those two were anchoring Chelsea's defense and midfield? Now they're both getting paid ridiculous money to play in front of maybe 15,000 fans on a good day. Life's weird like that.

The Al-Hilal squad reads like a "Where Are They Now?" Premier League special. Joao Cancelo's there, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic... it's basically a retirement home for players who aren't quite ready to retire but are definitely ready to get paid.

The Bruno Fernandes Curveball

Speaking of getting paid - Al-Hilal just tried to throw £200 million over three years at Bruno Fernandes. Tax-free. That's roughly £1.3 million per week, which is absolutely mental when you think about it.

Bruno said no. Good for him, honestly.

The guy wants to keep playing real football in Europe instead of collecting checks in the desert. Can't blame him - he's 30 and still has plenty left in the tank for Champions League nights.

Group of Death (Sort Of)

Al-Hilal landed in Group H with Real Madrid, RB Salzburg, and Pachuca. That's... actually not terrible? I mean, Real Madrid will probably sleepwalk through their group stage, but stranger things have happened. And now they'll have Kante sitting in front of their back four, which is honestly still a nightmare for any attacking midfielder.

The man's 34 but he can still run for days. Some players age like fine wine, others age like Kante - they just keep doing exactly what they've always done, just with better weather and bigger paychecks.

This whole Club World Cup experiment is either going to be brilliant or a complete disaster. Probably both, knowing FIFA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it mandatory for footballers to wear shin guards?

Shin guards must be worn by all footballers. They protect the lower leg, which is vulnerable to injury from collisions and tackles. They protect the shins against serious injuries, such as fractures or severe bruises. To promote safety, the governing body of football requires players to wear shin guards.

What kind of goalkeeper gloves provides the best grip and protection?

Goalkeeper gloves featuring a palm made of latex offer the best performance under different conditions. The latex palm thickness and density are adjustable to balance gripping power and durability. Gloves equipped with finger protection, including spines or stiffening elements, can reduce the risk of hyperextension injury to the fingers. To allow goalkeepers to perform to their full potential, gloves need to be comfortable and well-fitted.

How do I get the correct fit for my football boot?

The football boots you choose should fit snugly but not too tightly, to allow your foot some freedom of movement. The space between your toes, and the front of your boot should be approximately a thumb-width to prevent the toes from being crammed in when running or kicking. The width of the foot is also important. Choose a boot with a wide or narrow fit. Try on your boots with socks, and make sure they are fully laced.

What is the most important equipment for football?

A jersey or shirt is required to play football, as are shorts with stockings. Shin guards and football boots, or cleats. Goalkeepers typically require additional gear such as specialized gloves and sometimes padded clothing to protect them during dives and jumps. The correct clothing is essential for all players in order to stay safe and follow the rules.

What should I look for when choosing a football?

Consider the size of the ball, its material, and its construction. The size 5 is standard for all players over the age of 12 including adults. Younger players should use smaller sizes appropriate for their age. Leather is best for grassy surfaces, while synthetics are better for more rough surfaces. Thermal-bonded balls are also better at waterproofing and retaining their shape than stitched ones. Durability, flight stability, and touch are all important qualities to consider.

Statistics

Around 25% of youth football players have reported using equipment that is either outdated or not suited to their position on the field.
Research has indicated that around 60% of football-related ankle injuries could be mitigated with the correct choice of footwear.
Approximately 40% of amateur football players wear boots that are not properly fitted, increasing the risk of foot injuries.
Data shows that thermo-bonded footballs, known for their consistent performance, are preferred by 65% of professional football clubs for matches.
Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.

External Links

How To

How to choose the right protective gear for football

Protective gear is an essential part of any football player's kit bag. Check each item for comfort, safety, compatibility, and fit with the player's role. Mouthguards must be worn to protect teeth and reduce concussion risk. Padded underwear provides extra cushioning, especially for goalkeepers. Arm and leg sleeves can offer compression benefits and minor abrasion protection. Remember, all equipment should meet league safety standards and be properly certified.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/chelseas-maignan-deal-dies-a-slow-death-while-they-chase-that-english-kid