N'Golo Kante is interested in a return to Europe after two years in Saudi Arabia
The former Leicester and Chelsea midfielder is willing to take a cut on his salary
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By BEN WILLCOCKS
Published: 12:20 EDT, 3 April 2025 | Updated: 12:20 EDT, 3 April 2025
N'Golo Kante has entered talks with a former Manchester United manager over a potential return to Europe this summer, according to reports.
The ex-Leicester and Chelsea star, who left the Premier League for Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, is reportedly keen to leave the club at the end of the season after two campaigns in the Saudi Pro League.
Kante, who won the World Cup with France in 2018 and is still an active member of Didier Deschamps' squad, could be set for a shock return to Europe after entering talks with former Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Besiktas boss, who took over the Turkish club in January four years after his sack from Old Trafford, has identified Kante as a key transfer target ahead of the summer and already entered discussions with the player, according to Turkish outlet Yeni Asir.
Besiktas, who triumphed 2-1 over fierce Turkish rivals Galatasaray on Saturday, are expected to launch a bid for the 34-year-old midfielder at the end of the season, with Solskjaer having already outlined his desire to sign him to the club's hierarchy.
Kante was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during Solskjaer's reign as Manchester United manager between 2018 and 2021, winning the both the Europa League (2018-19) and Champions League (2020-21) with Chelsea during that period.
N'Golo Kante has entered talks with a former Man United boss over a potential return to Europe
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly keen to sign the French midfielder for Besiktas this summer
Kante won the Premier League with both Leicester and Chelsea before moving to Saudi Arabia
The Frenchman, who also won the Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup with the Blues during his time at Stamford Bridge, was a crucial reason behind Leicester City's shock title Premier League triumph back in 2016.
The Turkish newspaper claims Kante, who has chalked up 64 caps for France so far in his career, is interested in a move to Besiktas and will even take a pay cut on his salary in an effort to return to Europe.
Ahead of the January transfer window, it was claimed by The Guardian that West Ham were keen on signing the veteran midfielder.
The newspaper reported that the Hammers were prepared to activate Kante's £21million release clause at Al-Ittihad, but the Saudi Pro League club were keen to keep the Frenchman at least until the summer.