N’GOLO KANTE is set to complete a shock move that will see him play in the Club World Cup, according to reports.
The revamped 32-team tournament gets underway on June 15 in the United States.
Kante, 34, currently plays for Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad.
But The Athletic claim he is going to be loaned to fellow Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
The French midfielder will agree a short-team contract that lasts as long as the Club World Cup.
Both teams are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), meaning the deal should be straightforward.
They also own Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Premier League side Newcastle.
Al-Hilal are the only Saudi representative in the Club World Cup.
They are in Group H with Real Madrid, RB Salzburg and Pachuca.
The switch will see Kante link up with former Chelsea team-mate Kalidou Koulibaly.
Former Premier League stars Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic also play for Al-Hilal.
It comes after the club pushed hard to sign Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese playmaker was offered a three-year tax-free contract worth £200million.
But Fernandes opted to turn it down as he wants to remain playing at the top level in Europe.
Club World Cup 2025 Guide
SOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.
Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…
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