Report: Liverpool in talks over signing ‘extraordinary’ centre-back once valued at £250m

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool are reportedly in talks over signing Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 29-year-old, who plays for Napoli, is one of Europe’s most highly rated defenders and has been linked with some of the continent’s top clubs.

Gazzetta dello Sport claims Koulibaly is “very much liked” by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and the Reds have already made contact with the Partenopei over a possible switch.

Liverpool’s offer is said to be the “most tempting” to Koulibaly because he will be able to form a formidable defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk, added the outlet.

It is also claimed the Senegal captain will be able to leave for €50million (£42million) to €60million (£51million), a significant drop in price from previous windows.

Indeed, Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis told ESPN in 2019 that Koulibaly would be worth around £250million if valued in line with Harry Maguire, who cost Manchester United £85million.

Earlier this month, journalist Ian McGarry told the Transfer Window podcast that Liverpool had offered Napoli €40million (£34million) plus add-ons for Koulibaly.

TBR View:

Koulibaly is a tall, quick and strong centre-back of the highest order, boasting an array of skills including aerial prowess, tackling, reading of the game, and superb passing abilities.

Admittedly, £42million is a bit steep for a player who turns 30 this summer, but Koulibaly really is that good, and a back line of him and Van Dijk would be nigh-on impenetrable.

“The defender who gave me more security? Koulibaly was something extraordinary,” former Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina is quoted by Tuttomercatoweb as saying last year.