Should Rafa Benitez and Everton strike as Kalidou Koulibaly price falls again?
While on paper, it may look like Everton are set at the central defence with four good choices, it can always be better. So for much of the rumour season, the Blues have been linked with a number of centre-backs. Kalidou Koulibaly has been linked with Everton, especially since Blues’ boss Rafa Benitez managed him during his stint at Naples.
Napoli originally priced the powerful defender at £70 million, but the price has continued to come down. According to the Daily Telegraph, Napoli are willing to let Koulibaly, 30, go as his contract starts to run down. He’s in the final two years of the pact.
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The Gli Azurri are reported to be willing to cut his asking price to £35 million. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for negotiation. There more than likely is and the presence of Benitez may make a difference.
Here comes that on the paper thing again. £35 million is still a lot for a 30-year-old player, but you know, Marcel Brands has access to scissors in his office and there isn’t a rock in there. Richard Gough, Dave Watson, David Weir, and Alan Stubbs all played effectively into their mid-30s.
Kalidou Koulibaly could be the leader in defence for Everton
The Senegalese international captain is a better player, better athlete, and a more imposing figure than that quartet. He has been hit by injuries for the past two seasons, but he still played 25 and 26 games. In three of the four seasons prior, he played more than 30 times in the Italian League.
Given the depth of central defenders at Everton, even if Yerry Mina moves on, Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane, and Mason Holgate remain. So do well-regarded youngsters Jarrad Branthwaite, who has already played in the Premier League and Lewis Gibson, who logged some time in the Florida Cup. Plus Jean-Phillipe Gbamin has played in the role, but he will likely stay in midfield.
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Kouilbaly at 6-foot-2 has aerial presence, which is something always useful in the Premier League. He’s also regarded as cultured and talented.
While at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri used him as a ball-playing central defender to help bring the ball out.
90min claims Benitez has named Koulibaly as his prefered target for central defensive reinforcements. The pair would be reunited after the Blues’ manager bought Koulibaly to Napoli in 2014.
Everton has bought three players in (Asmir Begovic, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend) but have spent under £2 million in doing so.
Farhad Moshiri still has deep pockets with Financial Fair Play being a possible problem. But there are ways to deal with it.
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What do you think, is Kalidou Koulibaly a good choice?