Kalidou Koulibaly has been heavily linked with a move away from Napoli over the past couple of years. Several top European clubs keep the Senegal international in high esteem, yet striking a deal with the Partenopei bigwig Aurelio De Laurentiis has often proved daunting.
For years, Koulibaly has been one of Europe’s best-performing defenders. Not many centre-backs in Serie A are superior to the 30-year-old, who has been a defensive mainstay at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona over the past eight years.
With just over a year left to run at his current contract at Napoli, Koulibaly could finally halt his impressive long-term stint in southern Italy this summer. His impressive displays in Naples have not gone unnoticed.
After Liverpool and Manchester United, Koulibaly has drawn interest from La Liga powerhouse Barcelona. Despite being strapped for cash, the Catalans are in the market for defensive reinforcements. And the Senegalese reportedly features Barca’s wishlist close to the top.
According to Calciomercato, Koulibaly is poised to sever ties with Napoli in the coming months and secure a high-profile switch to Camp Nou. With Gerard Pique not getting younger and Samuel Umtiti prone to injuries, Xavi is desperate to sign a top-class defender to plug his side’s defensive leaks.
Eric Garcia’s performances upon his arrival from Manchester City last summer have flattered to deceive. What’s more, Clement Lenglet appears to be on the verge of joining Tottenham Hotspur on a two-year loan. That would leave Xavi short of options at the back next season.
Koulibaly would be a massive upgrade on Barcelona’s current defensive choices. As a result, Xavi wants to pull off an agreement with Napoli.
It seems that Napoli could be open to offloading their standout defender for the right price.