Manchester United handed huge Kalidou Koulibaly chance

NAPOLI, ITALY - 2022/03/06: Kalidou Koulibaly player of Napoli, during the match of the Italian Serie A league between Napoli vs Milan final result, Napoli 0, Milan 1, match played at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. (Photo by Vincenzo Izzo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
NAPOLI, ITALY - 2022/03/06: Kalidou Koulibaly player of Napoli, during the match of the Italian Serie A league between Napoli vs Milan final result, Napoli 0, Milan 1, match played at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. (Photo by Vincenzo Izzo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Kalidou Koulibaly for years without it ever materialising. When the club signed Raphael Varane last summer, it was believed that he would transform the Red Devils’ defence and turn it into one of the best in the Premier League. That has not been the case. The Frenchman has struggled and so have those around him. As a result, Erik ten Hag is expected to look for another centre-back this summer.

What is a major boost for Manchester United is the fact that Koulibaly appears to be a more attainable transfer target this summer than he has ever been in the past.

Considered one of the best defenders in the world for years now, Koulibaly has been linked with big moves almost every summer transfer window without it ever happening, as Napoli have always held on to him.

But as reported by CalcioMercato, with Koulibaly’s contract with Napoli set to end in one year, Napoli would be willing to accept a transfer offer of €35 million for the Senegalese defender.

Manchester United handed Koulibaly boost as Napoli appear to be willing to let him go

Once upon a time, Koulibaly was rated at a transfer fee higher than €100 million. It is safe to say that times have changed.

But even though Koulibaly might be set to turn 31 years of age next month, he remains a top defender and if Manchester United are able to sign him, it would be a major coup for the club.

It is not going to be easy to pull it off though. Barcelona are being heavily linked with a move for Koulibaly as well. On the other hand, Chelsea are expected to look towards the defender too, as they are set to lose two of their key defenders in Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer.