According to Foot Mercato, Middlesbrough is finalizing a deal to sign ESTAC Troyes midfielder Abdoulaye Kante. Middlesbrough’s efforts in the summer transfer window have been frustrating thus far.
Boro are one of only three Championship clubs that have yet to complete a signing, including Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday.
However, work is being done to remedy this, with manager Rob Edwards begging for patience from supporters as fears rise over their chances in the 2025/26 Championship season.
Rumours of impending deals on Teesside are starting to circulate, with a new report from French news outlet Foot Mercato claiming Abdoulaye Kante could arrive in the North East.
According to the source, 20-year-old Kante is close to joining Middlesbrough from ESTAC Troyes, which was demoted from Ligue 2 at the end of last season.
Few expected Kante to stay after impressing in France’s second level, and he is now poised for his well-deserved departure. Boro will pay €3 million (£2.6 million) for the Ivorian midfielder, making him the club’s first acquisition of the transfer window.
It is stated that there are minor details to be worked out before the deal is completed, but things look to be going in the right direction.
Who is Middlesbrough’s target, Abdoulaye Kante?
Middlesbrough has not been reluctant to recruit from outside in recent years, taking great pleasure in importing players from the continent to develop in the Championship.
That appears to be the idea for teenage midfielder Kante, who has performed admirably despite his youth in France.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Ligue 2 | 29 | 0 | 2 |
| Coupe de France | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Kante was born in Attecoube, Cote d’Ivoire, and moved to France at a young age, joining the current club ESTAC Troyes from the Montfermeil youth setup in 2022.
He has subsequently established himself as a crucial player and a promising potential, performing best in defensive midfield but also capable of playing slightly further forward in a more advanced role.
Boro’s summer transfer window is finally starting up
Middlesbrough may not have made a breakthrough yet, but transfer rumor suggests that will change shortly. And it might end with a frenzy of additions.
Jayden Carbon is rumored to have signed a deal, although as he is only 19, he will most likely be sent to the U21s at first.
In terms of the Boro first team, Alfie Jones could follow Kante through the door. According to reports, the defender is expected to join from cash-strapped Championship rivals Hull City for £3 million.
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