How Super Eagles star Moses Simon missed out on the chance to play with N’Golo Kante

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has started a new adventure with Paris FC, but he could have shared the pitch with none other than N’Golo Kanté had circumstances aligned differently.

The French capital’s second club pushed hard to bring the World Cup winner back from Saudi Arabia, but the move collapsed at the final hurdle.

Paris FC began serious talks in mid-August to secure N’Golo Kanté from Al-Ittihad, with even owner Antoine Arnault personally stepping into negotiations.

The idea of luring the 34-year-old back to Ligue 1 excited fans, and both Paris FC and AS Monaco explored the deal.

While reaching an understanding with Kanté himself appeared feasible, Al-Ittihad’s steep demands became the stumbling block.

With one year left on his contract, the Saudi club was unwilling to compromise, and the deal fizzled out before Paris FC could make the dream signing.

For now, Kanté remains in the Gulf, although the failed talks have left the door ajar for a future return to France.

Meanwhile, Moses Simon officially said goodbye to Nantes this summer to join Paris FC, closing a six-year chapter where he became a fan favourite.

The Nigerian winger completed his medicals ahead of a €7 million switch to Paris FC, even penning a heartfelt farewell on social media, thanking the Beaujoire faithful. With 201 appearances, 37 goals, and 42 assists, Simon left as one of the club’s most impactful players of recent years.

His arrival at Paris FC represents a major coup for the newly-promoted side, but the excitement comes with a small tinge of what might have been.

Had Kanté’s transfer gone through, Simon would have been linking up with one of the game’s most tireless midfield engines, a partnership that could have given Paris FC both flair and world-class pedigree.