Why Manchester United should make a move for Kalidou Koulibaly
According to Tuttosport (h/t The Sun), Manchester United have made regular contacts with Napoli over the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly ahead of the summer transfer window.
Koulibaly, 28, has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe since joining Napoli in the summer of 2014. He has made 233 appearances for the Serie A outfit and is one of their most reliable performers.
The Senegalese international has a contract until the summer of 2023 with Napoli. But he could be on the move with his club preparing to sell him at the end of the season to make cash, as per the report.
Manchester United on a resurgent run
Meanwhile, Manchester United have made a tremendous comeback after hitting a low midway through the campaign when they lost to teams like Burnley and Watford. They have done an excellent job in chasing a Champions League qualification spot, as they haven’t lost in their last 11 games across all competitions.
In the process, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s young side have scored 29 goals and conceded only twice. One of the most improved area in recent times is their defence. While Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have done extremely well on either end of the backline, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have strongly held the central defence.
Maguire and Lindelof have formed a strong partnership. United have kept 7 clean sheets in the 26 league games the pair has featured together, with most of them coming in the latter stages of the campaign.
Eric Bailly, who returned to the squad after a long injury lay-off, has been brilliant in recent weeks. The Ivorian was at his best against Chelsea in the league and Derby County in the FA Cup.
However, Phil Jones and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have struggled in the last couple of years to take their chances. While the Englishman has fluffed his chances, Fosu-Mensah has been out for a long time due to injury.
Hence, the manager should bring in reinforcements to fill the gap. And, making a move for a world-class centre-back in Koulibaly would be a wise decision by United.
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The Senegalese international is an experienced campaigner, having made 367 career appearances. He has been Napoli’s go-to man in defence over the past few years, before struggling with injuries this term.
Koulibaly would undoubtedly bring in a wealth of experience to United’s squad, whilst adding the much-needed depth in the backline. His inclusion would definitely bring in a healthy competition, which would be good for the team’s progression.
Verdict
At 28, Koulibaly is in his peak years and has a lot to offer. The Senegalese defender would be a great fit in United’s squad, given his recent performances. Thus, Koulibaly should be United’s top priority in the summer if they are to do well in the next season.
