Manchester United are looking to secure the services of Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this summer. According to recent reports, the Red Devils are prepared to battle it out with some of their English rivals in the hunt for the Senegalese international’s signature during this ongoing transfer window.
Some sources are now claiming that the Serie A side are bracing themselves for offers from a whole host of English clubs which include Jose Mourinho’s United along with Chelsea and Arsenal. Koulibaly has put in some impressive performances at the backline for the Italian giants during the course of last season which has not gone unnoticed.
However, it is expected that the Naples-based team are ready to battle hard in order to retain their promising defender beyond this summer. It is understood that the Serie A side will demand a whopping fee in the region of £85m for the Senegalese defender in this post-season.
If the Red Devils are willing to agree to their demands, then Koulibaly would become the most expensive defender in football history eclipsing the whopping £75m fee that Liverpool paid to secure the services of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton last January. The contributions of Koulibay has played an important part in Napoli’s recent success under the stewardship of Maurizio Sarri. The 26-year-old defender had featured in 45 matches for Napoli last season and has 5 goals and one assist to his name in all competitions.
Mourinho’s side were edged out by Chelsea in the FA Cup final with a narrow 1-0 scoreline which put an end to their dream of lifting a major trophy last season. The Special One needs to make some clever additions in this summer transfer period so that his team are capable enough to compete for some silverware next term.
The potential acquisition of Koulibaly will undoubtedly bolster Mourinho’s defensive options at Old Trafford. United have a plethora of defensive talents such as Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo competing for a starting berth at Old Trafford. The addition of Koulibaly will improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within the Red Devils squad.
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At 26, the Senegalese defender has his peak years ahead of him which United could look to utilise in the coming years. He is also comfortable playing on both centre-back positions which makes a perfect fit for the Manchester club. Only time will tell what lies ahead in the future of Koulibaly and whether he ends up plying his trade at Old Trafford next season.
