According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Premier League outfit Newcastle United’s prospective new owners are said to be quite keen on acquiring the services of Napoli’s highly-rated Senegalese international centre-half. The report suggests that the Newcastle United buyers want Kalidou Koulibaly at Tyneside next season and that they will go for his services in the summer when their takeover bid at St.James’ Park gets finalised.
The report suggests that the intimidating Serie A defender is valued in the region of €80m by the Naples based side and that the player is likely to leave the club at the end of the current season. It has also been clarified that the Senegalese international himself could be interested in the move to Tyneside if the Saudi Arabian takeover is complete. Although European giants like Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in Koulibaly, the fact that the Magpies could become a superpower in the coming seasons could be enough motivation for the defender.
What Is Newcastle United’s Current Defensive Situation?
The Magpies’ back-line didn’t have the best of starts to life in the Premier League this season, but over time it must be conceded that they’ve managed to hold their own. Although their 41 goals conceded could’ve certainly been improved upon in some fixtures, the fact that Chelsea, in fourth place, have conceded just two goals lesser, puts things into perspective. Instead, what Steve Bruce needs to be concerned about is his team’s apparent cluelessness when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net.
The Tyneside club boast what is arguably one of the strongest defensive rosters in the entire league, and that’s including teams like Manchester City and Liverpool. Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune are all high-quality centre-halves, who have the experience and sheer know-how required to perform well in the English top-flight. Add in the fact that they’ve collectively scored more goals than the entire Magpies attack-line this season, and the need for a new defender is seemingly eradicated.
Why Do The Newcastle United Buyers Want Kalidou Koulibaly?
The Senegalese international has been one of the highest-rated defenders in the European game for a while now, but a move away from Naples, as has been discussed various times over the years, never took shape though. Now 28, and entering what should arguably be the prime of a centre-back’s career, Koulibaly would be an absolute mammoth acquisition if they’re able to get it done. The Napoli man’s physical dominance at the back is no small matter, and when combined with the defenders that Steve Bruce already has at his disposal, they could end up becoming an unbreakable force.
Is This A Move That Newcastle Should Look To Make?
While the Tyneside club have had to deal with various ups and downs throughout the season, it must be conceded that most of Steve Bruce’s headaches would’ve been thinking about his team’s attacking phase. Despite the acquisitions of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, there is still an urgent need for more attackers in the side. The Magpies should look to focus on signing up a potent goalscorer and potentially, a winger in the summer, as the addition of Koulibaly wouldn’t necessarily improve their squad all that drastically.
