La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly closing in on signing 31-year-old Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, with a move for Jules Kounde unlikely.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Kalidou Koulibaly is likelier to join Barcelona than Jules Kounde. The Blaugrana will prioritise signing the 31-year-old Napoli defender in the summer transfer window, even though Xavi Hernandez wants Jules Kounde at his disposal ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Kalidou Koulibaly is the old warhorse in Serie A, with the veteran centre-back going from strength to strength since joining Napoli from KRC Genk nearly eight years ago. The Senegalese international has been a mainstay at the back for the Partenopei during this period, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Europe.
The 31-year-old has featured 317 times for Napoli thus far while chipping in with 14 goals and seven assists. But the Serie A giants are in a spot of bother over Koulibaly’s long-term future, as he will enter the final year of his contract next month and does not want to extend his contract. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona will continue the squad rebuild under Xavi Hernandez, who will look to bolster almost every department in the summer transfer window. Reinforcing the defensive unit is a priority for Barcelona, with Gerard Pique in the final phase of his illustrious career.
In addition, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, and Oscar Mingueza face uncertain futures at Camp Nou, with Barcelona reportedly deeming the trio surplus to requirements. Signing a top-class centre-back is thus a priority for the Blaugrana, with Koulibaly emerging as a viable target.
Jules Kounde is another player the Catalan giants are pursuing in the summer transfer window, with the French international keen on moving to Camp Nou. But, while Kounde is the priority target for Xavi, Barcelona will look to secure the services of Koulibaly instead. And with Napoli only willing to sell the 31-year-old to a team outside Serie A, Barcelona will likely be unchallenged in his pursuit.
The Senegalese international is also eager to join the Blaugrana, with recent reports claiming he is prepared to force a transfer to Camp Nou. With Koulibaly now becoming the priority target for the Barcelona board, a summer transfer seems to be on the cards for the 31-year-old.
