Mundo Deportivo has reported that Hans-Dieter Flick, the head coach of La Liga club Barcelona, has disapproved of a potential transfer for the defensive midfielder N'Golo Kante from Al-Ittihad and the French national team to the Catalan club.
According to available information, the Barcelona manager has blocked the move for the 33-year-old midfielder, despite the desire from the club's sporting director, Deco, to bring Kante on board. Flick's main reason for this decision is his ambition to focus on young, homegrown players.
In the 2023/2024 season, the French midfielder played 30 matches in the Pro League for the Jeddah team, scoring two goals and providing five assists. Additionally, Kante has featured in six matches for the "Les Bleus" during the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
His contract with Al-Ittihad runs until the end of June 2026. As reported by Transfermarkt, Kante's current market value is nine million euros.