La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly in advanced talks with Kalidou Koulibaly, but his €40 million price tag could pose a problem for the Blaugrana.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Barcelona and Kalidou Koulibaly are in advanced talks over a possible move in the summer transfer window. But Serie A giants Napoli are demanding around €40 million for the Senegalese defender, which poses a problem for the Blaugrana.
Kalidou Koulibaly has gone from strength to strength since joining Napoli from KRC Genk in July 2014. Over the last eight years, the 30-year-old has been a powerhouse of a centre-back in Serie A, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defenders in Europe while being a pivotal figure for the Partenopei.
To date, the Senegalese international has turned out 314 times for Napoli, chipping in with 14 goals and seven assists. But Koulibaly faces an uncertain future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium heading into the summer transfer window, with his contract running out next year. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
The interest from Barcelona makes sense, considering Eric Garcia has not been consistent enough since returning to Camp Nou from Manchester City last summer. At the same time, Gerard Pique is approaching the end of his glittering career and has had some fitness issues this season.
In addition, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza face uncertain futures at Camp Nou after falling down the pecking order this term. With at least one of the out of favour trio likely to leave, Barcelona will need to invest in a top-class centre-back, making Koulibaly a viable target.
Recent reports have claimed that the two parties are in contact to discuss a possible move in the summer transfer window. Xavi Hernandez is the driving force behind Barcelona’s pursuit of the 30-year-old, with the Blaugrana prepared to hand him a four-year contract. But Napoli’s €40 million price tag is the biggest obstacle for Barcelona.
Koulibaly is reportedly open to joining Barcelona, with Xavi envisioning him to be Pique’s short-term successor, especially amid Garcia’s inconsistencies. But it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can bring down the asking price from €40 million, which could put a spanner in their works.
