Fenerbahce Blame Al-Ittihad for N’Golo Kante & Youssef En-Nesyri Swap Deal Collapse in Furious Statement

How a N’Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri Swap Deal Collapsed on Deadline Day

Transfer deadline day is rarely calm, but even by its own chaotic standards, the collapse of the proposed N’Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri swap deal has left shockwaves across Turkey and Saudi Arabia. What was shaping up to be one of the most eye-catching moves of the winter window instead ended in anger, finger-pointing, and a furious public statement from Fenerbahce, who have placed the blame firmly at the door of Al-Ittihad.

In a strongly worded announcement, the Istanbul giants accused the Saudi Pro League club of making a crucial data entry error in FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS), missing the registration deadline and ultimately causing the deal to collapse — despite Fenerbahce claiming they had done everything required of them.

For supporters who stayed glued to their phones late into the night, refreshing social media for confirmation, the silence at the deadline was deafening. By the following day, that silence had turned into frustration, and then outright fury.

A Blockbuster Deadline Day Exchange Falls Apart

On paper, the deal made perfect sense for both sides.

Al-Ittihad, chasing silverware and looking to add cutting edge to their attack, were ready to bring in Youssef En-Nesyri, a proven international striker with Champions League pedigree and a reputation for delivering goals at the highest level.

Fenerbahce, meanwhile, were set to welcome one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation. N’Golo Kante, a World Cup winner and Champions League champion, was viewed as a transformative signing — a player capable of bringing leadership, defensive steel, and priceless experience to the heart of their midfield.

As the hours ticked down, all signs suggested the deal was done. Medicals were reportedly completed. Player agreements were reached. Paperwork was being exchanged. The sense among fans was that Turkish football was about to witness one of its most high-profile arrivals in recent memory.

Then, nothing.

As the deadline passed without confirmation, confusion spread. Had FIFA blocked the move? Had one of the players pulled out? Or had something gone wrong behind the scenes? It didn’t take long for Fenerbahce to respond — and when they did, they did not hold back.

Fenerbahce Blame Al-Ittihad with a Fiery Statement

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Determined to control the narrative and reassure an angry fanbase, Fenerbahce released a detailed and highly critical statement, outlining their version of events and explicitly blaming Al-Ittihad for the failure of the deal.

According to the club, their role in the process had been carried out “meticulously” and “exactly as planned”.

They stated that:

Agreements were reached with both players
Medical examinations were completed
All necessary approvals were secured
Transfer registration documents were uploaded correctly and on time

In short, Fenerbahce insist they did everything by the book.

The statement then turned its focus squarely toward Al-Ittihad, claiming the Saudi club made an incorrect entry in the Transfer Matching System, which prevented the deal from being completed before the registration deadline.

Even more damaging was the allegation that, once the error was identified, Fenerbahce worked tirelessly to salvage the situation — requesting extensions, opening discussions with FIFA, and taking “all necessary steps” to resolve the issue — only for Al-Ittihad to stop engaging altogether.

The phrase “without providing any justification” was particularly striking, suggesting not just incompetence, but a lack of professionalism that left Fenerbahce exposed and furious.

FIFA Appeals and ‘Incorrect’ Data Entries

The mention of FIFA’s Transfer Matching System adds an extra layer of seriousness to the dispute.

TMS exists precisely to avoid last-minute chaos, ensuring that all international transfers are recorded accurately, transparently, and on time. A single incorrect entry — whether financial details, contract length, or player information — can be enough to halt a transfer entirely.

By publicly accusing Al-Ittihad of making such an error, Fenerbahce have effectively suggested that the deal did not collapse due to bad luck or bureaucracy, but because of a basic administrative failure.

What makes the situation even more awkward is the claim that Fenerbahce sought FIFA’s intervention after the deadline passed. In rare cases, FIFA can allow deals to go through if there is clear evidence of a technical fault. That Fenerbahce explored this route shows just how far advanced the agreement was.

However, according to their statement, those efforts were rendered pointless when Al-Ittihad failed to complete their side of the process or respond meaningfully to discussions.

Fallout for Fenerbahce’s Technical Staff and Squad

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From a sporting perspective, the collapse of the Kante–En-Nesyri swap leaves Fenerbahce in a deeply frustrating position.

The club’s technical staff had clearly identified N’Golo Kante as a key addition for the second half of the season. His ability to control games, protect the defence, and raise standards on and off the pitch would have been invaluable during a title run-in.

Missing out on such a player after medicals were reportedly completed is more than just disappointing — it disrupts planning, tactics, and morale.

At the same time, Youssef En-Nesyri now finds himself back where he started. A striker who was mentally preparing for a move to Saudi Arabia must now be reintegrated into the squad, refocused, and motivated — no small task for any coaching staff.

Fenerbahce’s statement spoke of “determination and discipline”, a clear attempt to draw a line under the episode. But behind the scenes, there will be work to do to ensure the dressing room remains united.

What This Means for Al-Ittihad

From Al-Ittihad’s perspective, the optics are damaging.

Being accused publicly of administrative incompetence — and of effectively abandoning a transfer process — is not a good look for a club aiming to establish itself as a global powerhouse. The Saudi Pro League has invested heavily in its reputation, and incidents like this undermine that progress.

Whether Al-Ittihad choose to respond publicly remains to be seen. Silence may be interpreted as guilt, while a rebuttal risks escalating tensions further.

What seems clear is that relations between the two clubs have been strained, perhaps beyond repair in the short term.

A Deal That Leaves a Sour Taste

Ultimately, this is one of those transfers that will be remembered not for what it achieved, but for what it promised — and failed to deliver.

For Fenerbahce supporters, the disappointment is magnified by the belief that the deal was effectively done, only to be undone by errors beyond their club’s control. For neutral observers, it serves as another reminder that in modern football, even the biggest moves can fall apart at the final hurdle.

As the dust settles, both clubs must refocus on the pitch. The window is shut. The squads are set. But the bitterness surrounding this failed N’Golo Kante and Youssef En–Nesyri swap deal is likely to linger for some time.

And for Fenerbahce, one thing is certain: they feel wronged — and they’ve made sure the whole football world knows exactly who they blame.