Abdoulaye Kanté has struggled since joining Middlesbrough from Troyes in July 2025.
The midfielder made four appearances in the first eight Championship matches and one more in the EFL Cup.
Kanté quickly lost prominence as he hasn’t made an appearance for Middlesbrough since the end of September. His situation at the Riverside Stadium didn’t change upon Kim Hellberg’s arrival in November.
On January 30th, he returned to France when AS Saint-Étienne signed him on loan with an option to buy. Prior to his arrival, Queens Park Rangers’ Jonathan Varane was also on their agenda.
But! Football Club cover the 20-year-old’s comments on his time at Middlesbrough, and he also provides a positive update on his fitness.
“I didn’t play much at Middlesbrough, and it was a bit of a difficult period. I got injured at the end of the year, but I’m better now. I’ve been back in training for six weeks. I’m ready to play and I’m available to the coach,” he said.
The Middlesbrough owned player also revealed the Ligue 2 side’s interest wasn’t new as they tried to sign him two years ago.
“Two years ago, Saint-Etienne had already approached me. I had discussions with Loïc Perrin. When my agents told me that ASSE was interested again, I was delighted. I thought to myself that it was destiny,” Kanté explained.
Peuple-Vert, a website dedicating their coverage on Saint-Étienne, covers more comments from the midfielder.
The French club have confirmed in their official statement of an option to make his stay permanent. The Ivorian isn’t certain whether there is a mandatory purchase clause as part of the loan deal.
“Yes, I’m on loan, but there’s an option to buy. Frankly, on that side (whether the option to buy is mandatory or not), I’m not really sure. I know I’m here. Now, whether it’s mandatory or not, I’m not really sure,” he added.
Kanté’s ‘mission’ is to help Saint-Étienne secure promotion back to Ligue 1.
