Barcelona are looking for reinforcements in the winter window, but it looks like their bid for a superstar has been turned down by the Serie A giants, rejecting a €70 million offer.
The Catalan giants are struggling defensively this season, watching as both Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen were ruled out with long-term injuries. However, with new man Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique doing relatively well as their main centre-back pairing, but Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is still looking for reinforcements.
The 27-year-old has been superb for the Italian side ever since his move back in 2012 and has even gone on to make more than a 150 appearances in the Serie A. However, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and even Manchester United looking for defensive reinforcements, it looks like all eyes have turned towards Kalidou Koulibaly with the Senegalese international becoming one of the most highly rated centre-backs in the world.
However, reports from CalicoMercato have emerged revealing that Barcelona have made a bid for the 27-year-old centre-back, but have been rejected by Napoli. It further adds that the Partenopei are looking for a much higher figure than 70 million. The Senegalese hasn’t made any intentions of a move away clear, revealing that he is happy at the Stadio San Paulo. But while this has won Koulibaly plaudits in Naples, on the other hand, he has earned a reputation as Serie A’s most accomplished defenders despite a rocky start to his Italian football career.
Kalidou Koulibaly is right-footed and is a current transfer target for Manchester United.?? pic.twitter.com/HLNqfNsMVM
— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) November 1, 2018
The 26 year old arrived at Napoli during in May 2014, but soon established his place in the line-up as a permanent fixture. He’s won an average of 2.07 headed duels in 28 games since the 2016/17 season and made nearly 2.3 interceptions a game. It’s not just his defensive abilities but Koulibaly boasts an average pass completion of just under 90%, which is down-right impressive given Napoli’s free flowing attacking style of play.
Author’s take:
It’s no wonder why Barcelona want the big burly center-back as combined with his strengthen and defensive abilities, the 26 year old also happens to be a stunning passer of the ball. For Barcelona, that is a key ablitly they look for in their players, and if the club really wants him, Ernesto Valverde and co will have to increase their bid by a lot.
