FENERBAHCE and N’Golo Kante were left in the dark after a bizarre deadline day error.
Kante, 34, was due to make the move to the Turkish side, with his contract with Al Ittihad due to expire this summer.
The clubs had agreed a fee for his move back to Europe.
And Kante had agreed personal terms – only waiting for the Istanbul flight.
But an administrative error from behind Saudi lines forced the collapse of the deal.
Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri was also victim of the admin error as he was heading in a straight swap with the Frenchman.
Fener have blamed Al Ittihad in a bold statement.
They said: “The transfer process involving N’Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri with Al Ittihad Club has been meticulously conducted by our club in all aspects, as planned.
“The opposing club’s incorrect entry of the relevant TMS information, the transactions could not be completed within the transfer registration period, independently of our club.
“The opposing club has not completed the transactions without providing any justification to us.”
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The Turkish giants claimed their side had “fulfilled all its obligations completely and on time”.
The French international will now stay in Saudi until the end of the season and may be able to join Fener when his contract expires.
The World Cup winner joined the Saudi Pro League in 2023 once his contract with Chelsea expired.
Didier Deschamps even included him in the France squad for the 2024 Euros.
Though they were knocked out in the semi-finals of the competition by the eventual winners, Spain.
While the Super Lig window will remain open until the summer, it is closed for Saudi clubs, leaving the deal dead in the water.
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