According to a recent report by AS, Real Madrid have seen their €90m bid rejected by Napoli for their Senegalese centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this summer. The same source has mentioned that the Galacticos boss Zinedine Zidane has identified the Serie A defensive ace as a perfect candidate to improve the club’s defensive record in the upcoming campaign.
Koulibaly’s Rapid Rise In The Serie A
Koulibaly has enjoyed another solid season with the Naples outfit after putting in a series of commanding displays under Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship this term. The Senegalese international has featured in 48 matches for Napoli, scoring two goals and creating one assist in all competitions.
More importantly, the Saint-Dié-des-Vosges born talent has made 1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3.9 clearances per game for the Italian outfit thus far (Stats taken from Whoscored).
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the premier defenders in European football over the past couple of years. Thus, we can expect him to improve Real Madrid’s defence significantly in the coming years if Zidane can orchestrate a move to bring him to the Spanish capital this summer.
The ex-KRC Genk centre-half has also earned 32 international caps for Senegal so far. At 27, he is currently playing the best football of his career which the Galacticos could look to benefit from over the next few years.
What Will The Senegalese Talent Add To Zidane’s Side?
Koulibaly is a dominant presence inside his own box who knows how to time his challenges to perfection and interception possession for his team. He is also aerially dominant, which makes him a potent goal-threat from set-pieces. There is no doubt that he would be a brilliant signing for Madrid if they can pull off the deal during the summer transfer window.
Should Real Madrid Go Back In With A Better Offer For Koulibaly?
The addition of a defender of Koulibaly’s quality is precisely the type of move which could put Los Blancos back on the map for European glory next season. Hence, Zidane should consider going back in with an improved offer so that he can convince Napoli to let Koulibaly join the Galacticos ahead of the new season.
