Union Sets Condition for Renewing Kante's Contract Amid Fan Concerns

Sources close to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper revealed that the management of Saudi Union Club has opened the file for renewing the contract of French player N'Golo Kante, which expires at the end of the current season, amid the player's desire to remain on the yellow pitch for an additional period.

The sources indicated that Kante requested to maintain his current annual salary of 25 million dollars, while the Union aims to extend the contract under lower financial conditions, which makes negotiations likely to continue in the upcoming period.

In the file of foreign professionals, information confirmed movements towards signing two players under the age of 23 and 21, without the club finalizing any changes to its list of eight main professionals yet.

According to local regulations, the registration of Albanian player Mario Metaj will automatically be included among the main professionals if the list is amended, as he has surpassed the age allowed for birth players after joining last year.

On the technical side, the results of the Union's camp in Spain and Portugal raised concerns among its fans, after the team suffered four friendly defeats against only one victory, conceding 14 goals before facing Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup on August 19.

Coach Laurent Blanc emphasized the need for maximum focus and readiness for the busy season filled with local and continental competitions, confirming that the team has undergone intensive workdays without rest, aiming to elevate the mental and physical levels before the season begins.