Kalidou Koulibaly: Napoli defender to join Man City for £72m

SSC Napoli Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Photo: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Manchester City have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly during the next transfer window.


The 29-year-old is said to have rejected interest from Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Given the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, it was been widely suggested that Napoli are prepared to cash in on the highly-regarded centre-back.

Liverpool are among a number of clubs who have been linked with an approach for the Senegal international, who has previously been valued at £90m.

However, according to Il Mattino, Koulibaly's preference is to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium in order to play under Pep Guardiola.

The report claims that the two clubs are prepared to do business at £72m, with Koulibaly penning a contract until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.