Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, it has been reported.
The club’s new manager, Jose Mourinho, wants to make a move for the 28-year-old defender, who has been with the Italian club since 2014.
According to talkSPORT, Koulibaly is a target for Mourinho, who pursued the centre-back when he was manager of Manchester United as well.
Transfer Market Web claim that the defender will be available for anywhere between €85 million and €120 million. The Senegalese international’s current contract with the Italian club expires in 2023.
Napoli are currently in a crisis on and off the pitch, with the team languishing in 7th, while the players and president of the club are at loggerheads as well. Spurs could use this opportunity to prise away Koulibaly from Naples.
The Senegal international has made over 200 appearances for Napoli and has become one of their most important players over the last few years.
Kalidou Koulibaly would be an upgrade over Alderweireld
Kalidou Koulibaly is perhaps one of the best players in his position in the world currently. Quick, strong, powerful, and the ability to read danger, Koulibaly has it all, which makes him one of the most coveted players in Europe.
The 28-year-old could probably leave the club, just like several other first team players, as the situation in Napoli looks like it has reached a boiling point.
Spurs should sign him if they have the opportunity to bring him to north London as he is a player who will improve any side in Europe. The defender would fit in seamlessly into the Spurs backline, which has looked woeful recently.
With the contracts of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen set to expire at the end of the season, Spurs must get rid of the two centre-backs and sign the Senegalese defender.
He is exactly the kind of defender that Mourinho likes – strong, tall and powerful, and would be a leader in the Tottenham backline. He would certainly be a huge upgrade over Toby Alderweireld, who was perhaps the club’s best defender in the last few seasons, but has lost a bit of his good form.
Koulibaly could have the impact that Virgil van Dijk had on the Liverpool team, and would be a great signing for Mourinho as he looks to make the club a force.
Considering Tottenham spent a bit of money in the summer, it remains to be seen if Daniel levy will immediately back Mourinho with a huge transfer budget, and more so for one player alone. Having said that, there are players Mourinho could get rid of as well as he will look to stamp his authority on the squad, so that could provide him with some funds.