The Napoli defender is the latest one on the Reds’ radar.
Liverpool are reportedly considering a shock transfer swoop for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. The report also adds that the Reds are ahead of fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United in the race for Koulibaly. The Senegalese defender has been widely speculated to leave Napoli this summer, with PSG looked like the possible destination before the Ligue 1 giants cooled off their interest. Earlier, Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis said that the club are willing to sell their centre-back for no less than £90m.
“If City or United or PSG with €100m (£90m) showed up, I would think about it [selling Koulibaly] and it is probable that they [the player] would leave, always if their will was to leave, De Laurentiis said. (h/t Football London)
Liverpool jump the queue
Liverpool have now taken a big step to fend off other suitors by submitting a bid worth £54m for the Senegalese defender. The Reds are also said to be planning a major overhaul this summer, which could show the exit doors for players like Dejan Lovren, Xherdan Shaqiri and so on. Jurgen Klopp has also been left disappointed after missing out on the long-term target Timo Werner, who has now become Chelsea’s latest signing.
Koulibaly’s consistency in the Italian top flight
Koulibaly has become a household name for the Partenopei, being an influential figure under former managers Maurizio Sarri and Carlo Ancelotti, helping his side finish second in Serie A in two successive seasons – he was named in the Serie A’s best 11 in both the seasons. While being solid in defence due to his strong build, Koulibaly is also excellent at ball distribution, securing a pass success percentage of 83 with average passes of 64 per game this season – although it has been an injury-ravaged campaign for him.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
The Reds have attained the tendency to lure in some high-profile names to Anfield, given their recent success under Klopp. In the football world, we’ve already read a lot of opinions comparing Kalidou Koulibaly and Virgil van Dijk. However, teaming Koulibaly with Virgil van Dijk in the defence would be a mouth-watering one, but it still raises a question for the Reds as they are going to splurge on a player, who is nearing his 30s.
Having become a reputable side in terms of doing smart transfers, the Reds would be on the radar once the summer transfer window opens. They are also nearing their first Premier League title win in decades – which would be an additional factor in acquiring prolific names.
