N'Golo Kante - Confirmed - £32m to Chelsea

[Guest]

Who the hell is FC Leicester?

 

[bobrivers]

Chelsea fan here.

 

Now I understand the bitterness and disappointment following Kante's departure but I think some LCFC fans let last season's success get into their heads a bit. Yes, you're in the CL this season and Chelsea aren't. Also, it's true that Chelsea are coming off their worst season in years and you've just won the title. But that's not how footballers look at the picture when they choose which club to join. I'm sure money played a big part in Kante's decision and so did living in London. But there's more to it. You make a huge deal out of CFC not being in the CL this year, but we've played it for thirteen straight seasons until now and are a well known club across the globe. 

 

Kante is French, spent only a year at Leicester and by all accounts was a great professional on and off the pitch. He played a big part in your title win. Now when people question his loyalty, I start to chuckle a bit. Let me ask you. If he hasn't played nearly as well as he did, would you feel the club should stay "loyal" to him and not sell him and replace him with someone they thought would be an improvement? Because that loyalty thing goes both ways or at least it should, right?

 

At the end of the day, it's business and players will do what they feel is best for their respective careers. For them first and foremost it's a job and an opportunity to insure they'll earn as much money and win as many trophies as possible in a short period of time while they are able play at the professional level. They prioritise what's important for them, and so would you, if you were in their place. I didn't like it back when Robben left us for Real and I'm sure I won't be happy to see Hazard possibly following him in his footsteps some time in the future. But I simply accept it because that's the way things are. There'll be other players. Don't get invested in them emotionally because you're bound to get disappointed.

[Fox92]

Chelsea fan here.

 

Now I understand the bitterness and disappointment following Kante's departure but I think some LCFC fans let last season's success get into their heads a bit. Yes, you're in the CL this season and Chelsea aren't. Also, it's true that Chelsea are coming off their worst season in years and you've just won the title. But that's not how footballers look at the picture when they choose which club to join. I'm sure money played a big part in Kante's decision and so did living in London. But there's more to it. You make a huge deal out of CFC not being in the CL this year, but we've played it for thirteen straight seasons until now and are a well known club across the globe. 

 

Kante is French, spent only a year at Leicester and by all accounts was a great professional on and off the pitch. He played a big part in your title win. Now when people question his loyalty, I start to chuckle a bit. Let me ask you. If he hasn't played nearly as well as he did, would you feel the club should stay "loyal" to him and not sell him and replace him with someone they thought would be an improvement? Because that loyalty thing goes both ways or at least it should, right?

 

At the end of the day, it's business and players will do what they feel is best for their respective careers. For them first and foremost it's a job and an opportunity to insure they'll earn as much money and win as many trophies as possible in a short period of time while they are able play at the professional level. They prioritise what's important for them, and so would you, if you were in their place. I didn't like it back when Robben left us for Real and I'm sure I won't be happy to see Hazard possibly following him in his footsteps some time in the future. But I simply accept it because that's the way things are. There'll be other players. Don't get invested in them emotionally because you're bound to get disappointed.

 

Can't argue with that.

 

You're a bigger club than us, no doubt about that, but - no disrespect here - he's going to a club that isn't exactly stable. If you're mid table at Christmas I'd say there's a big chance of Conte getting the boot and then Kante not getting liked by the next manager. And that's a shame considering he was linked to the likes of Juventus and even Madrid.

[ScouseFox]

comparing going to real madrid to going to chelsea for the dollar. im out.

[Lcfc_lass10]

Robben left you for Madrid. Kante has left us for Chelsea. I've seen a lot of Leicester fans say they wouldn't of been this bothered if it was for a club outside the PL.

[Sharpe's Fox]

Chelski gonna struggle to get ahead of 3 from City, United, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, us and West Ham imo. Maybe even another team will put themselves in the picture with a good start because if Chelski don't have one by losing 3 or 4 games by October you can rule them out of top 4.

[True Blue Fox]

Chelsea fan here.

 

Now I understand the bitterness and disappointment following Kante's departure but I think some LCFC fans let last season's success get into their heads a bit. Yes, you're in the CL this season and Chelsea aren't. Also, it's true that Chelsea are coming off their worst season in years and you've just won the title. But that's not how footballers look at the picture when they choose which club to join. I'm sure money played a big part in Kante's decision and so did living in London. But there's more to it. You make a huge deal out of CFC not being in the CL this year, but we've played it for thirteen straight seasons until now and are a well known club across the globe. 

 

Kante is French, spent only a year at Leicester and by all accounts was a great professional on and off the pitch. He played a big part in your title win. Now when people question his loyalty, I start to chuckle a bit. Let me ask you. If he hasn't played nearly as well as he did, would you feel the club should stay "loyal" to him and not sell him and replace him with someone they thought would be an improvement? Because that loyalty thing goes both ways or at least it should, right?

 

At the end of the day, it's business and players will do what they feel is best for their respective careers. For them first and foremost it's a job and an opportunity to insure they'll earn as much money and win as many trophies as possible in a short period of time while they are able play at the professional level. They prioritise what's important for them, and so would you, if you were in their place. I didn't like it back when Robben left us for Real and I'm sure I won't be happy to see Hazard possibly following him in his footsteps some time in the future. But I simply accept it because that's the way things are. There'll be other players. Don't get invested in them emotionally because you're bound to get disappointed.

Nice post and I agree with what you say to a degree. You see it from a bigger clubs point of view that has spent 13 consective seasons in the CL as you have stated. Unlike LC our first almost everything and it has took the owners over 10 years to get where we are today and what happens all the big club swarm in like vultures simply because their scouting team can't pick their own nose let alone find decent players.

 

All this sort of s*** does is turn people off football. The big clubs can't get their own way so they throw their teddys out the pram and dismantle any team who posses a threat to the top 4. There are plenty of lower league players to chose from out their same as us only we have a scouting team (at the moment) that is far better than any of the top 4s.

 

Still hope we beat you next season but all the best.

[bobrivers]

Can't argue with that.

 

You're a bigger club than us, no doubt about that, but - no disrespect here - he's going to a club that isn't exactly stable. If you're mid table at Christmas I'd say there's a big chance of Conte getting the boot and then Kante not getting liked by the next manager. And that's a shame considering he was linked to the likes of Juventus and even Madrid.

 

Agree about the club not being stable, but how many stable clubs are out there? Apart from Wenger/Arsenal in most clubs managers don't stick around longer than 3-4 years, if that.

 

As far as Kante, I think most managers would like to have a player like that in their team. He reminds me of Makelele and those type of footballers are always valuable.

[Finnaldo]

Chelsea fan here.

Now I understand the bitterness and disappointment following Kante's departure but I think some LCFC fans let last season's success get into their heads a bit. Yes, you're in the CL this season and Chelsea aren't. Also, it's true that Chelsea are coming off their worst season in years and you've just won the title. But that's not how footballers look at the picture when they choose which club to join. I'm sure money played a big part in Kante's decision and so did living in London. But there's more to it. You make a huge deal out of CFC not being in the CL this year, but we've played it for thirteen straight seasons until now and are a well known club across the globe.

Kante is French, spent only a year at Leicester and by all accounts was a great professional on and off the pitch. He played a big part in your title win. Now when people question his loyalty, I start to chuckle a bit. Let me ask you. If he hasn't played nearly as well as he did, would you feel the club should stay "loyal" to him and not sell him and replace him with someone they thought would be an improvement? Because that loyalty thing goes both ways or at least it should, right?

At the end of the day, it's business and players will do what they feel is best for their respective careers. For them first and foremost it's a job and an opportunity to insure they'll earn as much money and win as many trophies as possible in a short period of time while they are able play at the professional level. They prioritise what's important for them, and so would you, if you were in their place. I didn't like it back when Robben left us for Real and I'm sure I won't be happy to see Hazard possibly following him in his footsteps some time in the future. But I simply accept it because that's the way things are. There'll be other players. Don't get invested in them emotionally because you're bound to get disappointed.

Our club has consistently showed loyalty to our players. I'm sure you'll remember how on/off Vardy was in the 14/15 (he'd been off the boil when he first joined as well) season as was Drinkwater & Morgan. This time last season we thought Simpson was useless but he got a second chance as first choice RB again. Our CB Wasilewski, despite a very bit part season last year, was offered another year contract extension on what I expect is a decent wage. We've been known to let those who underperform give multiple chances to succeed but if we're holding back their development (Kramaric) we're happy to let them leave on respectable terms.

The point here is that regardless how many seasons you've been in the Champion's League, you're not in it next year. One more season with Leicester would've done Kante little harm and I doubt he'd miss out on a massive sum (in footballers terms) staying and he'd have a chance to perform in the CL and move to a bigger and better club than Chelsea (Real/Barca). With respect, You finished midtable with no poof you'll get top four this season. Teams would did better than you have also got new world class coaches in and Spurs will likely be a threat again.

Personally, he was remarkable for us last season and I'll always remember, although not as a legend or any respect other than footballing skills after this. I won't wish injuries on him and I'm not going to go into meltdown as many have because we've have another big French DM prospect in and Lemina has (apparently) expressed interest. It's a blow, yes, but we have other options and prospects to be excited about.

The only guy missing out this season is Kante, unluckily for him.

[Countryfox]

The only guy missing out this season is Kante

 

 

Maybe not ...    £££££££££££££  £££££££££  

[Finnaldo]

Maybe not ... £££££££££££££ £££££££££

Pocket change for him. Money won't buy him a CL place next year, with no guarantees for a few years after.

[Bluetintedspecs]

Greedychu? I suspect that's one of your own creations.

The hard truth is that it's better he's gone. He's an incredible player but anyone who would turn up the chance of a further tilt at the 'established' clubs in Europe probably deserves Chelsea and they him. I'm particularly happy City got Musa. And Mendy may prove to be a revelation. It will be intriguing as it unfolds.

Was trying to make you smile as you seemed a bit down

[David Hankey]

Thanks for the patronising 'wise guru'' spiel but if you're so astute then why not keep off our pitch for a year or two?

 

Many of us understand ALL the implications of his leaving but you come across as ever so slightly condescending by repeating them. The thing you wouldn't understand is the emotion that this long-awaited success has generated in our little corner of provincial England. We also understand the dualistic nature of 'loyalty' in football. In fact you'd be surprised how perceptive some of us yokels are. My fear is that we could transmute into the same mind set that Chelsea adopted when Abramovitch soiled 'your' club with his roubles.

 

As for the attraction of living in London - I think you find that Kante isn't exactly a party animal drawn to the bright lights. Personally, I wouldn't live there if I was paid £32m and £120k a week - I can assure you.

And what was the point of signing a 4 year contract a year ago?!!

 

It seems to me these contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on.

 

Kante ought to remember who brought him out of French football oblivion.

[st albans fox]

And what was the point of signing a 4 year contract a year ago?!!

 

It seems to me these contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on.

 

Kante ought to remember who brought him out of French football oblivion.

With the clauses written into them, they are often worthless as long term docs.

[CosbehFox]

Another patronising big club fan with the whole we are bigger than you spiel.

Save their breath about 'business'

I don't support my club because of business and money.

[Buzzell]

FC Leicester?

https://twitter.com/nglkante/status/754663301242613760

Ahh well that was nice.

[Manwell Pablo]

Chelsea fan here.

 

Now I understand the bitterness and disappointment following Kante's departure but I think some LCFC fans let last season's success get into their heads a bit. Yes, you're in the CL this season and Chelsea aren't. Also, it's true that Chelsea are coming off their worst season in years and you've just won the title. But that's not how footballers look at the picture when they choose which club to join. I'm sure money played a big part in Kante's decision and so did living in London. But there's more to it. You make a huge deal out of CFC not being in the CL this year, but we've played it for thirteen straight seasons until now and are a well known club across the globe. 

 

Kante is French, spent only a year at Leicester and by all accounts was a great professional on and off the pitch. He played a big part in your title win. Now when people question his loyalty, I start to chuckle a bit. Let me ask you. If he hasn't played nearly as well as he did, would you feel the club should stay "loyal" to him and not sell him and replace him with someone they thought would be an improvement? Because that loyalty thing goes both ways or at least it should, right?

 

At the end of the day, it's business and players will do what they feel is best for their respective careers. For them first and foremost it's a job and an opportunity to insure they'll earn as much money and win as many trophies as possible in a short period of time while they are able play at the professional level. They prioritise what's important for them, and so would you, if you were in their place. I didn't like it back when Robben left us for Real and I'm sure I won't be happy to see Hazard possibly following him in his footsteps some time in the future. But I simply accept it because that's the way things are. There'll be other players. Don't get invested in them emotionally because you're bound to get disappointed.

As said earlier, this is why keeping your best players at all costs is a small club mentality. Great post sir. I wouldn't expect much sense in return though, most of them are still working on their voodoo dolls.

[EGBFitness]

Chelsea fan here.

Now I understand the bitterness and disappointment following Kante's departure but I think some LCFC fans let last season's success get into their heads a bit. Yes, you're in the CL this season and Chelsea aren't. Also, it's true that Chelsea are coming off their worst season in years and you've just won the title. But that's not how footballers look at the picture when they choose which club to join. I'm sure money played a big part in Kante's decision and so did living in London. But there's more to it. You make a huge deal out of CFC not being in the CL this year, but we've played it for thirteen straight seasons until now and are a well known club across the globe.

Kante is French, spent only a year at Leicester and by all accounts was a great professional on and off the pitch. He played a big part in your title win. Now when people question his loyalty, I start to chuckle a bit. Let me ask you. If he hasn't played nearly as well as he did, would you feel the club should stay "loyal" to him and not sell him and replace him with someone they thought would be an improvement? Because that loyalty thing goes both ways or at least it should, right?

At the end of the day, it's business and players will do what they feel is best for their respective careers. For them first and foremost it's a job and an opportunity to insure they'll earn as much money and win as many trophies as possible in a short period of time while they are able play at the professional level. They prioritise what's important for them, and so would you, if you were in their place. I didn't like it back when Robben left us for Real and I'm sure I won't be happy to see Hazard possibly following him in his footsteps some time in the future. But I simply accept it because that's the way things are. There'll be other players. Don't get invested in them emotionally because you're bound to get disappointed.

What do you think would of been Chelsea fans reactions if Makalele was sold to Man Utd for £15m, Lampard was constantly linked to Arsenal for cheap and Drogba was close to signing for Liverpool for £10m when Chelsea was at the start of the Roman/Mourinho era?

Don't get me wrong, our club had an amazing season - one none of us ever imagined would become reality but with the team we have, our owners, TV money and champions league football you can see why we are looking a little disappointed/bitter for a player leaving our club to go to a team who've just had a new manager and with no European competition - if he left in Jan and we out of champions league and you was running away with the league it would be a little more understanding.

[foxoffderby]

What I don't understand is the transfer fee of 32m. He's worth more than that. We're we involved in a bidding war? Did it start at 20m ? What was in his contract? It wasn't champions league clubs only? A lot of unanswered questions which leaves a bitter taste in the mouth

[st albans fox]

What I don't understand is the transfer fee of 32m. He's worth more than that. We're we involved in a bidding war? Did it start at 20m ? What was in his contract? It wasn't champions league clubs only? A lot of unanswered questions which leaves a bitter taste in the mouth

The starting point was 20mill.

Apparently we had a bid from Shanghai for 35 mill

NG didn't want to go there. We probably could have insisted chelsea pay 35 but we didn't. Unless the 35 was in euros in which case we have got a few mill higher than they needed to pay. That doesn't make any sense. I suspect Chelsea could have argued that the Chinese bid an wasn't a serious bid as the player would never be interested in going there. Rather than get into a long drawn out argument, we wanted the deal closed and agreed to 32 mill ? There was a tweet from an Italian journo a week or so back where it said that NG's agent and Chelsea had agreed between them to pay above the negotiation clause in order to get the deal done and not wait for other clubs to get involved in a potential bidding war which would possibly up the price.

I think our management were keen to get this over and done with, once the player was certain he wanted out.

[katieakita]

Thing is he didn't want to come here and we were relegation favourites when he joined. Maybe his contract negotiations went along the lines of you pay £5.6 for me as a replacement for Cambiasso your player of the season and if i keep you up and get you a top 6 finish i can have a release clause for £20 million as i really don't want to be here and want to go somewhere else. Go back 12 months and 99% on here would have laughed and snapped his hand off at that. Maybe he did have a release clause of £20 million to a CL side so £32 million is a good deal. We have found ourselves in new territory and that means paying players more, paying more for players and tougher contract negotiations, hindsight is a bloody wonderful gift.

[Danizen]

The starting point was 20mill.

Apparently we had a bid from Shanghai for 35 mill

NG didn't want to go there. We probably could have insisted chelsea pay 35 but we didn't. Unless the 35 was in euros in which case we have got a few mill higher than they needed to pay. That doesn't make any sense. I suspect Chelsea could have argued that the Chinese bid an wasn't a serious bid as the player would never be interested in going there. Rather than get into a long drawn out argument, we wanted the deal closed and agreed to 32 mill ? There was a tweet from an Italian journo a week or so back where it said that NG's agent and Chelsea had agreed between them to pay above the negotiation clause in order to get the deal done and not wait for other clubs to get involved in a potential bidding war which would possibly up the price.

I think our management were keen to get this over and done with, once the player was certain he wanted out.

If that's true, through club have made a mistake. No one is going after Spurs' best players because they know that Levy is a nightmare to negotiate with. Our attitude of 'let the player go if he wants' marks us out as a soft touch. I'm not saying we put Kante in the same situation that Berahino has been in for the past 12 months but it would have done no harm to make Chelsea sweat a bit. We would have got a bit of extra money out of the deal, any clubs looking at Mahrez would possibly look at other targets and it would send a message to out players that once they've signed a contract, they only leave on our terms.

[Finnegan]

Agree about the club not being stable, but how many stable clubs are out there? Apart from Wenger/Arsenal in most clubs managers don't stick around longer than 3-4 years, if that.

As far as Kante, I think most managers would like to have a player like that in their team. He reminds me of Makelele and those type of footballers are always valuable.

I personally don't begrudge any of our players leaving and I'd normally accept that Chelsea is a step up.

I just think it's a poor decision by Ngolo and it disappoints me that it's his agent above all who gains from it.

We were never going to keep the team together but leaving at this stage is short sighted.

The entire footballing world is looking at Leicester and what we accomplished and all eyes will be on us this season to see how we cope in the champions league. If Kante wanted a shop window, this was it.

Instead he's gone to a club that aren't in the champions league, who could very possibly not be in the champions league next year and who won't just roll over and sell him if the real big boys in Spain do come calling.

It's a very poor footballing decision, it's just greed, and that's why people feel let down.

[foxoffderby]

Ok but it still hurts he's worth a lot more than that

[Rialto 290352]

Perhaps the most depressing aspect of Kante moving is that it seems to have been totally motivated by greed.  He's young and could easily have given one more year to Leicester.  By moving he has made it impossible for the team that performed amazingly last season to show what they could have done in the Champions League this season.  It's not as if he was short of money.  By moving he has taken away that opportunity for not only the fans but the rest of his team mates.  It would have been less irritating if he had moved abroad but its hard to accept his moving to another Premiership club.  He may be a talented player but has been shown to be a less than admirable individual.  No doubt a good replacement for him will be found and as always its a case of being successful whatever the odds are.