middlesbroughAbdoulaye Kante has to decide his future this summer.
The defensive midfielder joined the English club from ES Troyes AC in July 2025, and the move did not work out.
He played five matches for Middlesbrough and played 84 minutes in four Championship matches.
Kante last made an appearance for Boro last October and lost his place in the team. Earlier this year, he spoke openly about difficult times At Riverside Stadium.
After losing prominence in England, he returned to France in the winter market to join AS Saint-Étienne on loan.
This helped him regain his lost form and also enjoy playing regularly. The Frenchman played 1,272 minutes in 16 matches for the Ligue 2 team.
Failed promotion impacts Boro man's future
On 17 March, Middlesbrough owned the player. he said he was planning To join the French club permanently this summer. A month later, the 20-year-old again reiterated his desire to extend his stay at AS Saint-Étienne.
That time, He said: : "yes of course [smiles]. I am very happy, very happy and I am surrounded by great people. I'm content. A great staff, a vibrant team, fans who come for home games and even away games. I had never seen anything like it. “It’s really impressive.”
people-greenAn outlet that devotes its coverage to the French club now claims that Abdoulaye Kante's future is uncertain.
The Ligue 2 side had a clause to make the Middlesbrough man's stay permanent if they returned to the top flight.
However, Saint-Étienne failed to achieve promotion after losing the play-off final to OGC Nice. This changes the situation as it is now unclear whether the Ligue 2 side wants to buy him or not.
The report claims that 'the matter is not resolved', suggesting that more clarity may come in the coming weeks.
Middlesbrough are unlikely to stay
If AS Saint-Étienne decides against purchasing Abdoulaye Kante, he will have to return to his parent club.
The midfielder is unlikely to have a major role under Kim Helberg and will have to move again this summer.
His contract with Boro is until 2030, and transfer market Now estimate his value at €5m.
