Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reminisced about the transfer of midfielder N'Golo Kante in the summer of 2016. The Italian coach revealed that the club's hierarchy doubted the value of the deal numerous times, but in hindsight, the £30 million signing proved to be a masterstroke.
Conte took charge of Chelsea during the summer of 2016 following a particularly challenging season that saw the team finish in a disappointing 10th place. The Premier League was then a fiercely competitive battleground featuring some of the brightest managerial minds: Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. However, Conte quickly turned fortunes around and spearheaded a record-breaking run of 13 consecutive victories, guiding his side to a total of 30 wins from 38 matches, and ultimately clinching the title with 93 points whilst flying under the radar.
The summer transfer campaign was pivotal, bringing in key reinforcements including David Luiz, Marcos Alonso, and Kante. As Conte revealed, the club’s hierarchy posed questions about the rationality of signing the Frenchman from Leicester City roughly ten times before the move was finalised. Kante did not fit the traditional mould of a powerful footballer, and even Conte had initial reservations regarding his physicality; nonetheless, his faith in Kante's exceptional talent outweighed any doubts.
The manager's trust was thoroughly vindicated. Kante enjoyed seven glorious years at Stamford Bridge, playing 269 matches, scoring 13 goals, and collecting every major trophy available, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Furthermore, he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season following his debut campaign.
