Forgotten Middlesbrough man makes transfer admission amid successful loan - 'Honestly'
Abdoulaye Kante has discussed his ambitions to remain at Saint-Etienne beyond his current loan spell.
Abdoulaye Kante has reiterated his desire to remain with Saint-Etienne beyond his current loan.
The 20-year-old midfielder only joined Boro from Troyes last summer, but endured a tough transition to life on Teesside, making four Championship appearances totalling just 82 minutes across the first eight games of the season, with another 61-minute outing in the 4-0 EFL Cup defeat to Doncaster Rovers. Kante then fell completely out of favour, rarely even making the squad, and he didn’t make a single senior appearance following the arrival of Kim Hellberg.
Abdoulaye Kante makes Saint-Etienne admission
Kante joined Saint-Etienne on a temporary deal in January, aiming to help the faltering French giants return to Ligue 1 following their relegation last season. The loan has a permanent option included, and Les Verts will likely be tempted to take that opportunity, given Kante has started eight of his nine appearances so far, averaging 86.9% pass accuracy and 5.92 defensive contributions per 90 minutes in Ligue 2.
Kante’s form has helped St-Etienne sit second only to his former club, Troyes, in Ligue 2, and a return to the top-flight is looking likely. With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising that the young midfielder has enjoyed his time back in France so far.
“Honestly, it’s indescribable,” Kante replied when asked by French outlet Peuple-Vert about the atmosphere inside Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, nicknamed Chaudron. He continued: “As I said, I watched the first game when I arrived, even though I hadn’t started yet. “I was at the stadium for the match against Boulogne. I was so excited to finally make my debut, to play my first minutes, especially at the Chaudron.
“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.” When pressed on whether he’d like to stay at Saint-Etienne beyond this season, Kante bluntly stated: “Yes, of course.”