Middlesbrough‘s Abdoulaye Kanté has to sort out his future this summer.
The defensive midfielder joined the English club from ES Troyes AC in July 2025, and the move didn’t work out.
He played five matches for Middlesbrough and 84 minutes were from four Championship matches.
Kanté last made an appearance for Boro last October and lost his place in the side. Earlier this year, he opened up about the difficult period at the 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 regular playing time. The Frenchman played 1,272 minutes from 16 matches for the Ligue 2 side.
Failed promotion impacts Boro man’s future
On March 17th, the Middlesbrough owned player 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.
At that time, he said: “Yes, of course [smiles]. I’m very happy, very happy, and I’m surrounded by great people. I’m content. A great staff, a lively team, fans who show up for home games and even away games. I’d never seen anything like it. It’s truly impressive.”
Peuple-Vert, an outlet dedicating their coverage to the French club, now claims Abdoulaye Kanté’s future is uncertain.
The Ligue 2 side had a clause to make the Middlesbrough man’s stay permanent had they returned to the top flight.
However, Saint-Étienne failed to secure a promotion after losing the play-off final to OGC Nice. This changes the situation because it’s unclear now whether the Ligue 2 side want to buy him.
The report claims the ‘matter is not settled’, suggesting there could be more clarity in the coming weeks.
Middlesbrough stay unlikely
If AS Saint-Étienne decide against buying Abdoulaye Kanté, he then has to return to his parent club.
The midfielder is unlikely to have a prominent role under Kim Hellberg and would have to leave again this summer.
His contract with Boro is until 2030, and Transfermarkt now value him at €5m.
