Florian Plettenberg – N’Golo Kante salary major obstacle for West Ham

The Guardian reported that the Hammers are in negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad to sign the 33-year-old midfielder.

Plettenberg adds that “first talks” have taken place between the two clubs, but there are obstacles.

Kante is on a high wage-package at the Saudi club, and meeting that would be a big problem for the Hammers.

West Ham are willing to spend £20 million for the France international, who has two years left on his current deal.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that talks have taken place with the player’s camp. Al Ittihad have no intention to sell Kante as they consider him a key player and a model professional.

Plettenberg wrote on X: “Yes, West Ham are very keen to sign N‘Golo Kante with immediate effect – confirmed.

“First talks took place but the biggest problem to finalize the deal are salary issues. At this stage, West Ham are willing to spend £20m as per Will Unwin. Two years left on his contract with Al-Ittihad.”

West Ham expected to be busy until the end of the window
Julen Lopetegui has not inherited a fantastic squad from David Moyes, and he needs to make a lot of changes to the side.

Already the Hammers have signed three players, but Lopetegui needs at least four more players from various positions ahead of the next season.

Signing a defensive midfielder is a priority. The Hammers signed Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City on loan in the January window, but the England midfielder endured a nightmare spell at the London club.

Kante has a wealth of Premier League experience and is a world-class player. He won two Premier League titles with Leicester City and Chelsea and also won the Champions League trophy with the Blues. For France, he has made 61 appearances and played in the Euro 2024 Championships.

While he still has a few good years left in him, it makes no sense at all to sign an ageing player for that fee, let alone consider the wages. The money could be properly used elsewhere.