Conversation with Kalidou Koulibaly
Paris Saint-Germain have held a meeting with the agent of Napoli center-back Kalidou Koulibaly over a possible summer transfer.
90min revealed earlier this month that Koulibaly is available for transfer this summer, with new Everton boss Rafa Benitez seeking a £ 35m reunion with Senegal’s international.
Napoli is ready to sell Koulibaly / Marco Canoniero / Getty Images
Unfortunately for Everton, if they want to land Koulibaly, they will have to go through PSG, who have lined up the 30-year-old as the next blockbuster signing of the summer.
Foot Mercato reported earlier this week that informal talks had been held between PSG and Koulibaly’s agent, Fali Ramadani, and Corriere dello Sport said that negotiations had continued.
PSG boss Leonardo has spoken to Ramadani about a possible move, and although an official bid has not yet been launched, talks seem to be moving in that direction.
A move for Koulibaly seems to indicate that PSG are planning to switch to full-back three next season – a system that would benefit wing-back Achraf Hakimi without end. Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos are already guaranteed starters in midfield and it seems as if the plan is to add Koulibaly to the mix.
Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti recently confirmed that President Aurelio De Laurentiis has made Koulibaly available for transfer despite his desire to see the defender stay.
“Koulibaly is in the market, but I would like him to stay, I would chain myself somewhere to keep him,” he said. “I have never worked with anyone so well, not only as a player but also as a man.”
PSG may change its system to include Koulibaly / Francesco Pecoraro / Getty Images
In the short term, PSG’s priority is to start selling players to regenerate the funds already spent this summer, and their next goal is to understand that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is.
A formal bid for Pogba is expected in the near future, although the news has been met with protests from some PSG fans.