Middlesbrough are set to complete the signing of defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Kanté from French side Troyes, with the 20-year-old expected to arrive in a deal worth around £2.5 million.
The Teessiders have moved swiftly to finalise a breakthrough in their summer business, identifying Kanté as a key addition in the wake of Jonny Howson’s departure. A fee structure has been agreed between the clubs, with only final details left to be resolved before the Ivorian U23 international joins up with Michael Carrick’s squad on Teesside.
Kanté’s emergence in Ligue 2 last season saw him fast-tracked into the senior fold at Troyes, where he made 47 appearances across all competitions since joining from Montfermeil in 2022. A consistent figure in midfield, he drew plaudits for his positional discipline, ball-winning ability, and physical maturity beyond his years.
Sources in France suggest Kanté had long been earmarked for a move abroad, and Boro have beaten off interest from several European clubs to secure his signature. The midfielder missed Troyes’ most recent friendly as negotiations advanced — with the French club resigned to his exit.
Born in the Ivory Coast and capped at U23 level, Kanté will add much-needed depth to Boro’s midfield, particularly in the holding role vacated by Howson. He becomes the club’s first permanent signing of the summer, with the likes of Alfie Jones from Hull City also expected to follow in the coming days.
Having made a strong impression in just two years of senior football, Kanté’s signing aligns with Middlesbrough’s recent track record of recruiting young, high-upside talent from across Europe.
Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Ligue 2 Season:
- 31 league appearances, 1 goal
- 2,234 minutes played, 28 starts
- 84% pass accuracy
- 1.6 interceptions per 90
- 2.1 tackles per 90
- 6.75 average match rating
- 79th percentile among Ligue 2 defensive midfielders for duels won
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