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Napoli’s Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the world’s most valued center-backs.
Standing six feet four inches tall, with an impressive change of pace for a man of his size and having dominated the Serie A forwards for several years, he is a rock.
Manchester United has been closely related to the 28-year-old and, amid Pep Guardiola’s problems in midfield, he could certainly face a defensive colossus to remedy the gaps currently covered by defensive midfielder Fernandinho.
Koulibaly himself has expressed an interest in moving to the Premier League, but only in passing, so far that’s it.
Huge speculative reports in Italy have claimed that the contact has been made by Liverpool in an attempt to secure the defender’s signature.
But since Liverpool have a defensive giant of their own at Virgil van Dijk and have conceded the fewest goals in the league this season, their need for defensive reinforcements isn’t as pressing.
Not least with Joe Gómez and other options also available to Jurgen Klopp.
However, it looks like Napoli will miss out on Champions League football next season, currently sixth in Serie A.
If the best Italian flight follows Ligue 1 and ends the season prematurely, Napoli may have to rely on the Europa League qualifiers for European football next period.
Considering Koulibaly’s status as one of the world’s most revered central defenders, this may lead you to consider your options.
While Liverpool are unlikely to try to lure him to Anfield, their close rivals in the Premier League may be on the alert.
Koulibaly’s presence could usher in a new era of calm at United alongside Harry Maguire, such is his security on defense.
Perhaps more threatening could be Manchester City acquiring the Senegal international.
On a side ready to challenge national and European honors, Koulibaly would offer solidity and security, freeing the likes of an Aymeric Laporte fit to build movements from the depths.
Koulibaly himself would also fulfill Guardiola’s wishes for a central defender who excels in defensive duels but who can also contribute to the attack phases.
In Serie A and the Champions League this season, Koulibaly averages about five passes in the last third per game.
At first glance, Koulibaly seems to be today’s modern compound defender; physical, experienced, effective and intelligent with his passing decisions.
Just when Van Dijk arrived in Liverpool at the right time and transformed the side, could Koulibaly have a similar effect elsewhere in the Premier League?
While the transfer market will no doubt look very different this summer due to the coronavirus outbreak, it is still a possibility that the Reds may have to think about the coming period.
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