Abdoulaye Kante has left Middlesbrough to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in a permanent transfer. Boro agreed to a deal for Kante with a potential value of approximately £3.75m, and he has signed a four-year contract at his new club. The agreement also includes a future sell-on fee for Boro. In a brief statement, Boro confirmed the transfer and wished the player well.

An agreement is in place for Ivorian midfielder Abdoulaye Kanté to move from Middlesbrough to Al-Ettifaq for a fee of approximately £3 million, with the deal being subject to formalities. The 21-year-old is expected to sign a contract until 2030, and Middlesbrough will retain a sell-on clause for him. Kanté joined Middlesbrough in July 2025 and has been capped three times by the Ivory Coast U23 national team. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is estimated to be €5.00m. Saint-Étienne had also been linked with the player.