Why Everton should plot a summer swoop for Kalidou Koulibaly

Back in December, host Ian McGarry had claimed on Reach plc’s Transfer Window Podcast (h/t Daily Star) that Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was interested in landing Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly in the January transfer window. However, no deal materialised last month.

Kalidou Koulibaly, 28, made 48 appearances in all competitions for Napoli last season, scoring two goals. In the 2017/18 campaign, the Senegalese registered five goals in 45 games, which included eight appearances in European competitions.

The 28-year-old has been a regular presence at the heart of Napoli’s defence since joining from Genk back in 2014. Koulibaly has also been named Senegal’s Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018.

Meanwhile, Everton’s form has improved drastically since Carlo Ancelotti replaced Marco Silva as the permanent manager of the club in December. Under Ancelotti, the Toffees have performed well to climb to 9th place in the table. They are now only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who lost 2-0 to Manchester United on Monday.

Speaking about Everton’s problems, they have been woeful defensively, with Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, and Yerry Mina not up to the mark. With none of the central defenders showing consistency in their performance and the Toffees lacking depth in that area of the pitch, Ancelotti has to tighten up things at the back in the summer by bringing in Koulibaly.

Koulibaly is an established defender and would add value to a team like Everton next season. The 28-year-old has volumes of experience at the highest level, having played over 230 times for the Naples-based side. He also has represented Senegal 38 times and was a part of their World Cup squad in 2018.

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The former Genk man is 28 years old and operating at the peak of his powers, so this may be the best opportunity to test himself in the Premier League. The Senegalese has shown his ability to perform at the highest level in Europe and would be a valuable asset to the team if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown at Napoli over the last few seasons.

Verdict

Everton are in major need of some fresh centre-back options next season and a highly-experienced defender like Koulibaly could be a great addition to the Merseyside outfit. He would bring competition in the squad. Thus, the Royal Blues must do everything possible to sign Koulibaly from Napoli in the summer.