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.