The Arab money has turned Manchester City into the best Manchester of the league. Now the £300m Saudi takeover should see Newcastle United becoming the best United soon among the English hotshots. The Toon Army are relevant after ages surviving a Mike Ashley disaster and have already been in the news over potential high-profile summer transfers.
A squad revamp is being predicted by several outlets, and according to French website Footmercato, they have already opened talks with Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly. The 28-year-old has been in Manchester United’s radar for quite some time, but the financial upliftment has now allowed the Magpies to make an audacious attempt in roping in the Senegalese.
One Of The Finest Of The Modern-day Football
The Serie A superstar is hailed as one of the most composed central defenders of the current era and is often compared with Virgil van Dijk for his towering presence in the heart of the backline. Although he is contracted in Naples until the summer of 2023, Gli Azzurri president Aurelio De Laurentiis is ready to listen to offers in the region of £70m for his prized asset.
The asking fee is quite high amid the predicted financial crisis in the post-pandemic football world. Still, the money being invested at St James’ Park should see the Tynesiders dominating as well as humiliating the other suitors irrespective of the market condition.
Why He Would Revolutionise The Magpies Backline
Newcastle, under Steve Bruce, are approaching a mid-table finish. The mediocrity is recognisable all over the pitch and the addition of Koulibaly, therefore, would be a welcome boost in restructuring the defensive line while parting ways with several fringe names prior to the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, skipper Jamaal Lascelles has been their only consistent performer at the back who led the club bravely in defence. But the likes of Ciaran Clerk, Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett, Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune have been underwhelming and are only decent enough for a squad role in the near future.
Koulibaly has not only exhibited his expertise in Italy but also in Europe for years now. Manchester City are also after him following an array of defensive howlers that derailed their title challenge. However, they must topple the Magpies first in an apparent mega-money battle.
