Middlesbrough’s Abdoulaye Kanté wants to leave the Riverside Stadium and secure a permanent move to AS Saint-Étienne.
Towards the end of the winter market, Middlesbrough let the midfielder join the Ligue 2 side on a loan deal.
The Ivorian started his career at Montfermeil and left them for Troyes’ reserve team in 2022. A year later, he made his way into their first team and Troyes sold him to the Championship side in July 2025.
Kanté played 143 minutes from five matches for Boro and his situation worsened after Kim Hellberg replaced Rob Edwards in November. To put in context, the midfielder has never played for the English club under the current manager.
The restricted role saw the Middlesbrough owned player join Saint-Étienne on loan with a purchase option. The move has worked out well as he’s played 459 minutes from six league matches so far. This includes five Ligue 2 starts and three yellow cards.
Kanté wants permanent Middlesbrough exit
The Boro owned defensive midfielder has been speaking to Le Progrès about several topics. Envertetcontretous, a website dedicating their coverage to Saint-Étienne, relay his comments on the future plan.
Kanté said the first step was moving away from Helleberg’s side on loan. This loan includes a purchase option, and his is aim is for Saint-Étienne to use it.
“Yes, the initial idea of going on loan came from me,” he said.
“If the player and the agents agree to a purchase option, it means they’re already planning for the future. The club is too. And that’s why we’re giving our all. I’m happy here and I want us to achieve our goal.”
Several factors in favour of Ivorian
Kanté recently opened up about his difficult spell with the Championship side. He has cemented his place under Saint-Étienne manager Philippe Montanier, who joined the club in February.
He is likely to feature regularly until the end of the season. Should he maintain his form, it’s likely to convince the French club to activate the clause.
Montanier’s side are now second in Ligue 2, three points ahead of third placed Le Mans, and are in contention to return to Ligue 1. Should they return to the top division, it would improve the Middlesbrough man’s chances of joining them permanently.
His contract at the Riverside Stadium lasts until 2028, and Transfermarkt value him at €3m.
