Everton have found themselves repeatedly linked to Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Everton wants to further strengthen the central defence by signing simply one of the best in business. Carlo Ancelotti has previously worked with Koulibaly at Napoli and wants to bring him to Goodison Park in order to have an experienced, robust defender with ample European experience.
Whether the Toffees need a new centre back or not remains debatable considering how well stacked the squad is in that department. Michael Keane has been extremely reliable whereas Yerry Mina’s combination of aggression and aerial astuteness has benefitted Everton. Ben Godfrey, with his athleticism, neat defending and unmatched versatility, has also put a tremendous shift in defence, making him one of the most successful signings in recent times.
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Mason Holgate has had turbulent performances but the majority of his underwhelming performances have come in the right-back position where he was chosen as a makeshift option. Everton surely needs to address other areas of the pitch before trying to further strengthen the central defence. The priority should be signing a right-back and possibly a right-winger as these are the two positions where the Toffees have lacked steel and depth.
If the Merseysiders do manage to sign someone like Max Aarons and a pacey and agile right-winger, some attention can be given to bringing in an A-grade defender who can match the quality required at the European level.
A report stated that Everton may look to cash in on towering Colombian Mina to generate funds for Koulibaly. If that is the case, a shrewd signing like Koulibaly will hugely benefit Ancelotti’s side. Meanwhile, Napoli are almost certain that the Senegalese is likely to leave in the upcoming transfer window and the Neapolitans have already started to look for a replacement.
Everton target Kalidou Koulibaly nearing Napoli exit
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Napoli have already initiated talks with Feyenoord for signing Marcos Senesi who has been a target for I Partenopei since last year. Napoli do not want to be underprepared for Koulibaly’s departure and are already lining up a replacement as the 29-year old’s departure looks likely.
However, the report doesn’t mention Everton as possible destinations but arch-rivals Liverpool are surely in the race. Koulibaly remains open to a new challenge and fancies a move to the Premier League.
It will take a great deal of financial backing to convince Koulibaly to switch Napoli blue to Everton royal blue and not Liverpool red. Aurelio De Laurentiis is set to slap a price tag of €50 million euros on Koulibaly and will not budge despite the ongoing pandemic.
The Toffees needs to be extremely sure of their plans because if they succeed in signing Koulibaly they will be signing a player about to enter his thirties and will have significantly lower resale value as compared to the investment.
Should the Royal Blues sign Kalidou Koulibaly?