Defense chief of SSC Napoli
Most recently, Juventus Turin seemed to have the edge in courting Kalidou Koulibaly as a potential replacement for Matthijs de Ligt (22), who was courted by FC Bayern, but now Chelsea are intervening. According to consistent media reports, the Blues are about to sign the central defender from SSC Napoli.
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Accordingly, the 31-year-old, whose working paper at Napoli is still valid for one year, will receive a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2027 and will earn 10 million euros net per season. As a redemption brings Fabrizio Romano €38 million plus bonuses come into play while Gianluca di Marzio and “The Athletic“ call a sum of 40 million euros. With a market value of €35 million, Koulibaly is the third most valuable central defender with a contract that expires in 2023.
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After the free transfers of Antonio Rüdiger (29) and Andreas Christensen (26) to Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively, Chelsea have a need in the defensive center. In addition to the 62-time Senegalese international, who could become the most expensive central defender in the history of the London club, Presnel Kimpembe (26), Nathan Aké (27) and Jules Koundé (23) should also be on the list of coach Thomas Tuchel .
Napoli coach Spalletti: “If he decides to leave, we wish him the best”
SSC coach Luciano Spalletti remained calm in the face of reports of his defensive chief’s departure (quoted via “di Marzio“): “When he was on the pitch, we scored more points overall. But if he decides to leave we will thank him for everything he gave us last season too. He is a very good person who would be our captain again this year: if he decides to leave we wish him the best, he deserves it. And woe to anyone who says otherwise to him.”
In the background, the Serie A club is already working on a possible replacement for Koulibaly. According to reports, both Fenerbahce’s Min-jae Kim (25) and Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi (34) are candidates, both of whom are tied with their respective clubs until 2025. However, Kim is also said to be courted by Stade Rennes, which is why a transfer from Acerbi is currently more realistic. According to di Marzio, the Italy international will cost around €5m.
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