According to reports from Spain [via SportsMole], Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been identified as a possible defensive target for Manchester City by manager Pep Guardiola.
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With defensive midfielder Fernandinho being deployed at centre-back recently following injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, Guardiola is reportedly determined to sign a player for this position in the January transfer window [via SportsMole].
However, Napoli would be unlikely to let the 28-year-old defender leave unless his £110m release clause is met, as relayed by SportsMole and posted by @City_Chief on Twitter.
| Manchester City have joined the race for Napoli centre back Kalidou Koulibaly. The 28 year-old would only be allowed to leave if his £110m release clause is activated.
[SportsMole] pic.twitter.com/RUSwkbzH1E
— City Chief (@City_Chief) October 9, 2019
Goal.com reported this week that Koulibaly is also a transfer target for Manchester United, and the defender’s recent form has not gone unnoticed.
Speaking after Napoli’s Champions League win over Liverpool last month, BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton said that the Senegal centre-back has “all the attributes that a manager such as Pep Guardiola would want in a central defender”. [via Daily Star]
Paul Merson also made a case for Koulibaly as an ideal target for the Premier League champions in a column for the Daily Star in recent weeks.
However, these Manchester City fans on Twitter feel that the Napoli man is overpriced:
It’s so very expensive
— Xaverius Advent Kristiyan (@advntskrstyn25) October 9, 2019
Big NO
— baihaqi (@byhaqiii) October 9, 2019
City don’t spend 110m on a 28yr old. Dead story
— Kiam MCFC (@kiammcfc) October 9, 2019
110 mill for 28 year old err…no ta.
— (@bluezelos) October 9, 2019
Only £100 million to much
— IanWoods (@CitehViking) October 9, 2019
£50m max for his age
— #GJ9 (@iOxQ8_) October 9, 2019
Nah we’re good cheers
— James Harold (@JRHarold92) October 9, 2019
28 now. Won’t be available till end of season. £110m ? Too much.
— tony osborne (@biggingertone) October 9, 2019
Do you think Manchester City should seriously consider signing Koulibaly or is his valuation excessive? Join in the discussion by commenting below!
