Jurgen Klopp plots shock move for N'Golo Kante

Tom Weber

Updated: 31 Oct 2025 21:24 GMT
4 min read

Jurgen Klopp, N'Golo Kante, Paris — © IMAGO

Red Bull-owned Paris FC are looking to pull off a major coup by signing Chelsea legend N'Golo Kante, according to French media.

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The 2018 World Cup winner has been playing in Saudi Arabia since leaving Chelsea in 2023. Kante joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer and has continued to impress despite his advanced age, winning the Saudi Pro League last term.

Kante was a surprise inclusion in France's squad for Euro 2024, and he was arguably their most impressive player at the tournament, which sparked speculation about a potential return to Europe.

Current ETV

N'Golo Kanté

DM, M (C)

Al-Ittihad

N'Golo Kanté

DM, M (C)

Al-Ittihad

ETV Range

€1.5M - €2.2M

West Ham and Man Utd were linked with the 34-year-old, but nothing ultimately materialised. However, the situation could be different in 2026 as his contract with Al-Ittihad is set to expire in the summer.

According to Foot Mercato, Ligue 1 new boys Paris FC are attentive to Kante's situation as they continue to target ambitious transfers following their takeover by the billionaire Arnault family and Red Bull.

Klopp to sign Kante?

Red Bull's minority investment in Paris FC has allowed the club to make use of its multi-club network's connections and expertise in the market. PFC spent €57.3 million on new recruits in the summer and are currently 12th in the table in what is their first season in Ligue 1 in 46 years.

Legendary Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who has been Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer since the start of the year, has visited PFC several times to advise them on footballing matters.

Although not directly in charge, Klopp has a say in transfers and coaching decisions, and his suggestions certainly carry weight. He has directly held discussions with numerous transfer targets to convince them to join Red Bulls' clubs.

Klopp's role in PFC's interest in Kante is not known, but it is notable that a host of France's 2018 World Cup winners have returned to Ligue 1 for one last hurrah in recent years. In the case of Florian Thauvin, who now plays for RC Lens, it has even helped him return to Les Bleus' squad.

This summer, the likes of Olivier Giroud, Paul Pogba and Benjamin Pavard all headed back to France. Kante could be the newest addition to this illustrious list, although the report adds that rival Saudi clubs are also keeping tabs on his contract situation at Al-Ittihad.

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