Kalidou Koulibaly is reported to be a target for new Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho, according to Darren Plant of Sportsmole (via El Desmarque). Whether Spurs will spend money in January is debatable as continued reports suggest that chairman Daniel Levy is not going to change his stringent spending policy.
Kalidou Koulibaly Wanted to Shore Up Inconsistent Defence
Still Leaking Goals
Despite finally keeping a clean sheet against Burnley, Jose Mourinho’s side have already shipped eight goals. With uncertainty around the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose, the defence is one area where Mourinho will be keen to improve.
The Price is Right
The Napoli defender is highly rated, with the Italian club valuing him at around £100 million. That is a figure that Daniel Levy is unlikely to pay. If Toby Alderweireld fails to sign a new contract, Levy will be keen not to lose the Belgian for free. Alderweireld could be offered as a makeweight in a deal for Koulibaly that would work for all parties.
Who is Kalidou Koulibaly?
Koulibaly is a Senegalese international defender. He is of Senegalese and French parentage, leaving him eligible to play for both countries. He played for France U21’s before committing himself to Senegal.
Koulibaly is 28-years-old and extremely athletic. He is strong on the ball and moves quickly out of defence. It is that skill that makes him fit into the mould Mourinho is looking for.
He is contracted to Napoli until 2023. The Italian side are struggling in Serie A and may look to cash in in January or at the end of the current campaign.
Similarly, if Napoli fail to make the Champions League, Koulibaly himself could feel that it is time to move on in order to continue playing in Europe’s elite competition.
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