July 18 – The anticipated breakup of the Leicester City’s shock Premier League-winning squad has begun with French midfield lynchpin N’Golo Kante moving to Chelsea for a reported £32 million.
Leicester may have paid six times less than that when Kante joined from Caen a year ago, but that will be scant consolation for their fans who are likely to have to stomach even more high-profile exits in the next month.
Kante was part of the France squad which finished runners-up to Portugal at Euro 2016 and becomes Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s second major signing following Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi.
“The opportunity to work with Antonio Conte, a brilliant coach, and some of the best players in the world was simply too good to turn down,” said Kante. So, no doubt, was the salary being offered by Chelsea.
Leicester, who are playing in the Champions League unlike Chelsea, recently secured England striker Jamie Vardy on a contract extention but the loss of Kante will be a major blow to their plans for next season with Riyah Mahrez, their creative gem, reportedly also eyeing a move away.
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