On Monday, Napoli fans began their week with some concerning news on different fronts. Club captain, Lorenzo Insigne, is reportedly being put on the market after refusing to sign a contract extension. On another note, Manchester United launched a transfer bid for star defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Although the management rejected the proposal, it’s almost guaranteed that the Red Devils – as well as other Premier League giants – will return for the big center back before the summer transfer market closes, especially with the player being reportedly unhappy at the club.
So let’s take a look at some of the Senegalese’s potential destinations this summer, and try to figure out which one would be his most suitable option.
Manchester United
As mentioned above , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side made their intentions known by coming up with a proposal for the 30-year-old.
Manchester United have been linked with Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane for several months, but it seems that they’re keeping their options on the table, and Koulibaly could be the backup plan.
In Harry Maguire, the Red Devils have the most expensive defender in history, but perhaps the Englishman should be paired with a more tactically-sound partner.
A backline containing Koulibaly and Maguire could be terrifying on paper, but with two powerhouses playing side-by-side, it could easily turn into one scrappy affair.
Italian report claims Napoli 'rejected €30m' United bid for Kalidou Koulibaly #mufc https://t.co/Q5yIQmDaaj pic.twitter.com/Ph2vlnuWJz
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) July 19, 2021
Everton
In the last few years, Everton have been quietly rising in the ranks. Lurking around the European spots is nothing new for the Merseyside club, but this time, they seem to be building a truly impressive squad.
Even after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, the Toffees replaced the Italian manager with another big name in the sport.
In 2014, Rafael Benitez oversaw the arrival of Koulibaly to Napoli, and this summer, the Spaniard is hoping to boost his defense with a statement-signing.
Whilst he’ll be handsomely paid to join the English side, the Senegalese would probably prefer to join a club that is participating in the Champions League, and could help him gain some silverware by the end of the season.
Everton have made an opening bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. (Calciomercato) pic.twitter.com/mg1njESCpO
— Transfer News Central (@TransferNewsCen) July 15, 2021
Liverpool
Comparing to last season, Liverpool’s interest in the defender has cooled down, which can be surprising considering their urging-need for a solid center back.
Last season, the Reds’ campaign was doomed following the serious injuries of their defenders, Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, whilst their replacements proved to be inadequate for the role.
With Gomez proving to be injury-prone thus far in his career, Jurgen Klopp would do well to reignite his interest in Koulibaly, before his hated-rivals, Manchester United, seal a deal for his longtime transfer target.
Liverpool are 'very interested' in Napoli's Koulibaly but are short of his valuation https://t.co/5ALKh6y8v0 pic.twitter.com/NUOTSAheeu
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 16, 2021
Napoli
Although the former Genk man has various options, staying at Napoli remains arguably the most likely outcome.
Partenopei president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is not an easy man to deal with – as Manchester City officials can testify after spending the vast majority of last summer chasing Koulibaly’s signature -and if no club comes forward with a tempting proposal, the player will end up staying where is – whether he likes it or not.
Napoli say that they have NOT recieved any bid for Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.
[via: @FabrizioRomano on Twitch] #Napoli #EFC pic.twitter.com/Bo1YmyR4aa
— SportsRooter.com ⚽️ (@SportsRooter) July 19, 2021
Conclusion
After spending seven years in Napoli, the big defender can’t be faulted for wishing to embark on a new experience elsewhere.
Koulibaly has now reached the age of 30, and still has two years left on his contract, thus, it seems to be the perfect timing for the club to sell him whilst making a decent profit. However, Di Laurentiis needs to be reasonable in his valuation – at least for his own good.
Whilst an EPL adventure is always an enticing prospect, a partnership with Van Dijk at Liverpool could be his best option on the tactical level, while giving him the opportunity to compete on the biggest stages of the sport.
It’s really surprising that Napoli has managed to hold on to Kalidou Koulibaly for so long, I thought he would be playing for one of the top guns by now. pic.twitter.com/vawMWQdD5i
— Football Stage (@Football__Stage) July 18, 2021