Manchester United could land Kalidou Koulibaly for as little as €45m
Manchester United have been long time admirers of Napoli’s Senegalese centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
The 29-year-old is one of the best defenders in the world and would be an excellent addition to the United backline. However, Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is a difficult man to negotiate with and had put a £100million price tag on his star defender.
According to the Italian outlet Il Mattino, the player could be available for a cut-price fee of just €45m this upcoming summer.
However, they will face competition from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. The Germans have already signed Dayot Upamecano but are also keeping tabs on Koulibaly.
Napoli have not been immune to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and are looking to lower their wage bill. Getting Koulibaly’s massive €7m a year off the books would aid them greatly.
Bayern appear to be aware of the interest from United and Liverpool, and could have a fight on their hands to land the player.
It is no secret that the Red Devils are in the market for a new defender. In Koulibaly, they will be getting a tank of a player who is already proven at the top level.
He would be the perfect foil to Harry Maguire at the heart of the United defence. Whether we will indeed make a move for him remains to be seen.
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Soon to be 30, Koulibaly still has a number of years left in him. While the price may still appear to be steep for someone of his age, he is a player who can come in and make an immediate difference.
Whether that is enough for the club to go all out to secure him remains to be seen.
