Napoli have confirmed that center-back Kalidou Koulibaly is available for transfer this summer, but surprisingly very few clubs seem to care.
In recent years, Koulibaly has been one of the most sought-after defenders on the planet, but his £ 100 million price tag has always been a problem. Now, however, he is valued at almost 35 million pounds, which means that a transfer seems more likely than ever.
Let’s take a look at which of his suitors will make a move.
Liverpool do not need more defenders / Gareth Copley / Getty Images
12 months ago, Liverpool fans screamed in excitement over the idea of pairing Virgil van Dijk with Koulibaly. These days, they could not want anything less.
Koulibaly is obviously still an excellent defender, but he is also 30 years old and very expensive, and the last thing Liverpool need is to spend big on another 30+ players who will lose their best while literally everyone else in the squad.
In addition, they have just landed Ibrahima Konate, who is like a baby Koulibaly anyway.
Pep Guardiola picked up his dream defender last summer / David Ramos / Getty Images
Manchester City needed Koulibaly 12 months ago, but instead of paying big money for him, they chose the Portuguese youngster Ruben Dias.
It is safe to say that they are probably happy with their decision.
There is absolutely no need to bring in Koulibaly anymore, although there may be a place for him if any of the French defenders in the squad – Aymeric Laporte or Nathan Ake – choose to leave, but even if it does, a cheaper replacement if by far the smarter option.
United looks at other alternatives / Maja Hitij / Getty Images
If this was 2018, Manchester United would probably already have signed Koulibaly by now.
Fortunately, the red devils are no longer obsessed with the biggest names and instead prefer a bit of logic when it comes to their signings. They had thought of younger midfielders like Jules Kounde or Pau Torres, but have since chosen to pursue Raphael Varane.
The Real Madrid man may be a little older than United would have liked, but he could easily continue to play for almost a decade. The same cannot be said of Koulibaly.
Chelsea want a new defender / Pool / Getty Images
Chelsea are just ahead of United in these rankings as they have yet to come to terms with a preferred midfield goal, but that still does not mean they should go for Koulibaly.
Sure, the Senegal international is fantastic, but at 30 he will only be a short-term option, and because of that he does not fit into the Blues’ plans. If Thomas Tuchel will replace someone in the squad, it will be with a younger defender.
Should Chelsea decide that there are no good youngsters available, they can continue a short-term move for Koulibaly, but we really stick to straws here.
Benitez wants to lure Koulibaly to Everton / Alex Broadway / Getty Images
With doubts about the future of Yerry Mina, as well as the actual talent of Michael Keane, Everton could do with a new midfielder and 90min understand that Rafa Benitez is aiming for Koulibaly.
He’s the kind of big name Toffees usually want to write about, and he’s also a massive upgrade of the aforementioned Mina and Keane. Besides, you can only imagine what he could teach Ben Godfrey.
It’s a perfect move from Everton, but whether Koulibaly would be interested is another matter. The Toffees will not give him crazy money and they do not even have European football to offer to sweeten the deal.
PSG can look at changing systems / John Berry / Getty Images
PSG signaled their intention to switch to a three-man defense this year by signing the best right-back on the planet, Achraf Hakimi. If they do, there is a place open with Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos.
Presnel Kimpembe can take that role, but you just know that PSG prefer it to be Koulibaly. He’s the bigger name and the better defender, so he’s going to be another signal of their intent this season.
The money will not be a problem for PSG, who can offer Koulibaly the real shot at Champions League glory that he has been looking for for a while now. Everyone is a winner.
