N’Golo Kante Joins Al-Ittihad: A New Era for Saudi Football
French football superstar N’Golo Kante has completed his transfer to Saudi side Al-Ittihad, marking a new era for Saudi football. The club announced the signing on Wednesday, and Kante joins fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema in Jeddah. The team made fun of rumors around the deal being scuttled by medical issues in a video skit on Twitter, showing the midfielder failing his medical before breaking the good news to fans.
Kante is expected to bring some of that box-to-box energy for the league winners Ittihad next season. The diminutive defensive midfielder who is renowned for his boundless energy helped France win a World Cup in Russia in 2018. He was also instrumental in Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League win in 2016. He went on to win it again with Chelsea the following year.
The Kingdom’s top domestic competition, The Saudi Pro League, is undergoing renewed interest as some of the biggest names in the game sign for local teams. Earlier this month, Ittihad completed the signing of Ballon d’Or-winner Benzema after his years of success with Real Madrid. This follows Al-Nasr’s groundbreaking signing of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo in December.
Kante’s transfer marks a significant moment for Saudi football, as the country continues to invest in its sports industry. The Saudi government has been working hard to promote sports as part of its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. The plan includes building new sports facilities and hosting major international events, such as the Dakar Rally and Formula E races.
The signing of Kante and other high-profile players is part of this broader strategy to raise the profile of Saudi sports and attract more investment. It is also a sign of the growing interest in football in the country, which has traditionally been dominated by other sports such as camel racing and falconry.
Kante’s arrival is expected to boost the profile of Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Pro League, which has been gaining popularity in recent years. The league has attracted a number of top players from around the world, including former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez and Brazilian striker Hulk.
The signing of Kante is also likely to have a positive impact on the local economy, as it is expected to attract more fans and generate more revenue for the club and the league. It is estimated that the sports industry in Saudi Arabia could be worth up to $1.5 billion by 2030, according to a report by PwC.
In addition to investing in sports infrastructure and attracting top players, the Saudi government is also working to promote sports among young people and encourage more participation in physical activity. This includes initiatives such as the “Saudi Fitness Challenge,” which aims to get people moving and improve their health.
Overall, Kante’s transfer to Al-Ittihad is a significant moment for Saudi football and a sign of the country’s growing interest in sports. It is also a testament to the hard work and investment that has gone into promoting sports as part of the Vision 2030 plan. As more high-profile players sign for local teams, it is likely that Saudi football will continue to grow in popularity and attract more fans from around the world.