Saudi club Al Hilal is reportedly in discussions to sign French midfielder N’Golo Kanté on a temporary loan from Al Ittihad. The deal is intended to cover the duration of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States.
The report comes from respected football journalist David Ornstein, who revealed that both clubs are exploring the possibility of a short-term arrangement, although a final decision has yet to be made.
“Al Hilal are in talks to sign N’Golo Kanté on a short-term loan deal from fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for the Club World Cup,” Ornstein reported. “An agreement has not yet been reached but there is optimism that a deal can be done.
Kanté, a former Premier League champion and World Cup winner, joined Al Ittihad in 2023 after leaving Chelsea. Despite facing some injury issues in recent seasons, he has remained a key figure in midfield, bringing experience and leadership to the pitch. Al Hilal now wants to bring those qualities to their squad for the high-profile international tournament
Both Al Hilal and Al Ittihad are among the clubs under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PIF took control of four top clubs—Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Ahli—before the 2023 summer transfer window, as part of a wider effort to raise the profile of football in the country.
Al Hilal earned their place at the Club World Cup by winning the 2021 AFC Champions League. They will be Saudi Arabia’s sole representatives at the expanded competition, and the team appears to be looking for added strength in midfield as they prepare to face some of the top clubs from around the globe.
