90min

Barcelona 'in contact' with N'Golo Kante over summer move

  • N'Golo Kante could leave Al Ittihad to return to Europe
  • Barcelona lack ball-winning physical players in midfield
  • Hansi Flick would rather focus on recruiting attackers

By Jamie Spencer

N'Golo Kante has been tipped to leave Al Ittihad
N'Golo Kante has been tipped to leave Al Ittihad / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
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Barcelona are described as "maintaining contact" with N'Golo Kante as they weigh up signing a senior midfielder to boost numbers before the transfer window closes.

Kante left Europe last summer when his Chelsea expired, opting to join Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League after an injury-plagued final couple of seasons in London.

The 33-year-old recovered his fitness in Saudi Arabia and then somewhat unexpectedly played a major role for France at Euro 2024, having not played international football for two years.

Barcelona were linked with Kante before he joined Al Ittihad and SPORT now reports that a fresh approach could be made. The Catalans are said to be in touch with the Frenchman's camp, potentially able to take advantage of an apparent desire to leave Saudi Arabia.

Kante is believed to be of particular interest to Barca sporting director Deco, although a left winger has been the priority all summer – the club is seemingly refusing to give up on Nico Williams. Head coach Hansi Flick is "very clear" that quality in attacking areas is required, especially given that Barcelona hope to be able to count on Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi in midfield once all three are fit again. The problem is that doesn't help Flick at this moment in time.

Ngolo Kante
Kante was back on the big stage at Euro 2024 / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

The hierarchy must decide whether a boost in the middle of the pitch is required, particularly given how physically inferior Barca were to Monaco in the recent Joan Gamper Trophy. In the short-term 17-year-old Marc Bernal is expected to start the season opener against Valencia at the weekend, with a decision then to be made whether to formally pursue Kante.

Barcelona don't have a ball-winning midfielder and Deco was previously eyeing Amadou Onana before the Belgium international swapped Everton for Aston Villa. The club has also long been linked with Martin Zubimendi, who has rejected Liverpool interest to stay with Real Sociedad.

There would be competition for Kante from both West Ham United and Atletico Madrid.

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