Luciano Spalletti reportedly wants Serie A giants Napoli to extend Kalidou Koulibaly’s contract, which comes as a blow for Barcelona.
According to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Spanish outlet SPORT, Luciano Spalletti has asked Napoli to hand Kalidou Koulibaly a new contract instead of selling him in the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old defender is a target for Barcelona.
Kalidou Koulibaly has come leaps and bounds since joining Napoli from KRC Genk in July 2014, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A. A powerhouse of a defender, the Senegalese international has been a pivotal figure for the Partenopei, turning out 316 times while chipping in with 14 goals and seven assists.
But the 30-year-old’s contract situation has left Napoli in a spot of bother, with his deal expiring in a year. As a result, the Serie A giants are open to cashing in on Koulibaly in the summer transfer window, with the development capturing the attention of some of the most high profile clubs in Europe, including Barcelona.
Barcelona will sign at least one centre-back in the summer, with Andreas Christensen on the verge of arriving from Chelsea in a Bosman move. But the transfer window could also see Barcelona invest in another central defender amid mounting instability in the Catalan club’s defensive unit.
While Gerard Pique is in the twilight of his illustrious career, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza face uncertain futures at Camp Nou, with Barcelona deeming the trio surplus to requirements. Koulibaly has thus emerged as a viable target for the Blaugrana, with his contract situation making him an appealing prospect.
The 30-year-old does not wish to extend his contract with Napoli, and Barcelona’s strong relations with his agent Fali Ramadani could pave the way for a summer transfer. But Luciano Spalletti wants the Serie A giants to offer Koulibaly a bumper new contract as he considers the experienced defender a crucial member of his squad.
Napoli will thus prepare a new contract offer for Koulibaly, leaving Barcelona’s prospects of landing the Senegalese international up in the air. But if the 30-year-old defensive powerhouse’s stance does not change, Barcelona will remain in contention to securing his services, especially with the two parties in advanced talks.
