Chelsea continues their search for center-back replacements for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, but they've now moved one step closer to finding players to come in and give them solidity at the back. The Blues have signed Napoli standout Kalidou Koulibaly to a deal, one of the best at his position in world football.
Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea, here we go! Full agreement in place for €40m fee add-ons completed, bid accepted. Napoli are checking the documents then it will be official. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Koulibaly will sign long-term deal for €10m net salary per season. First centre back, signed. pic.twitter.com/Flr0XSN7wu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022
Chelsea has paid €40 million plus add-ons for the Senegalese international, who would've seen his Napoli deal expire in the summer of 2023. He will also make around €10 million per season at Stamford Bridge. Koulibaly has been on Chelsea's radar for quite some time now and once Rudiger and Christensen left for LaLiga, it was a foregone conclusion Todd Boehly and the Blues higher-ups were going to target the center-back.
Koulibaly should be a perfect fit at Chelsea. He's extremely physical, good in the air, and possesses respectable pace for a bigger player. Last term, the 31-year-old made 27 appearances for Napoli as they secured a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League. Koulibaly began his senior career with Ligue 1 outfit Metz, eventually moving onto Belgium side Genk in 2012. He joined Napoli just two years later and has been a mainstay for them ever since.
Internationally, Koulibaly played a key part in Senegal winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021. He's made 60 appearances for his country and will be an important player for them at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Chelsea will be looking to sign one more center-back to pair with Kalidou Koulibaly, though. Matthijs de Ligt was on their radar, but he looks to be nearing a move to Bayern instead. Presnel Kimpembe, Nathan Ake, and Jules Kounde are three others the Blues are eyeing as Boehly looks to make a serious splash in his first summer with the club. They've already signed Raheem Sterling to bolster their attack, too.
Follow Us
Subscribe