French midfielder and World Cup winner N'Golo Kante has made a surprising move to join Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad Jeddah during the current summer Mercato, according to an official statement by y the club on Wednesday. Kante will reunite with his compatriot Karim Benzema at the Jeddah-based team. French star Karim Benzema sent a message of welcome after his compatriot, N'Golo Kante, joined the ranks of the Saudi club, Ittihad. Kante signed a 3-year contract with Al-Ittihad, to continue with the Saudi club until 2026, coming from Chelsea, England. Benzema congratulated his fellow Frenchman, stating: "Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad earlier this month, sent a video message shared online by the club; Benzema congratulated his fellow Frenchman, stating, “One time I told you, you're the best player, box to box, in the world. Now I'm happy to play with you again and of course in the best team in Saudi." For his part, Kante responded to Karim Benzema, saying: “Thank you, Karim, happy to see you again, thank you for your words, I am happy to play with you, with the best player in the world,” adding: “I am happy to play with the tigers in front of the crowd in Al Jawhara, see you soon.” Expressing his enthusiasm, Kante stated that he is "very excited to play for the Tigers," referring to Al-Ittihad's nickname.