Kalidou Koulibaly is highlighted as a Juventus target in the defence. He’s one of many names highlighted to replace Matthijs de Ligt who’s expected to leave, according to Fabrizio Romano. Federico Cherubini, the Juventus director, actually met with Koulibaly’s agent today.
Juventus director Federico Cherubini is meeting with Kalidou Koulibaly’s agent right now. Koulibaly, out of contract in 2023. 🇸🇳 #transfers @SkySport
Koulibaly’s in Juve list as one of many names to replace Matthijs de Ligt who’s expected to leave – but no talks with Napoli yet.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2022
Juventus Target Kalidou Koulibaly as a Defensive Reinforcement
Serie A Stardom
Koulibaly has long been one of the top defenders in Serie A. He joined Napoli in the 2014/15 season and hasn’t looked back since. Not only has Koulibaly dominated in Italy, but he’s also shown flashes of brilliance in Napoli’s Champions League campaigns.
In fact, Napoli were the main competitor to Juventus during I Bianconeri‘s recent Italian dynasty. Koulibaly was a major part of this. Although AC Milan and Inter Milan have reclaimed the top of the league, Napoli and Juventus still qualified for the Champions League.
Koulibaly is 31 years old, meaning he’s likely closer to the end of his prime rather than the beginning. With that being said, he remains a defensive force and that’s exactly what Juventus need. De Ligt may be departing, while former captain and club legend Giorgio Chiellini has already left for the United States.
Le directeur sportif de la Juventus rencontre actuellement l’agent de Kalidou Koulibaly.
(SkySports) pic.twitter.com/JXunFWAKOG
— 13football_com (@13footballC) July 6, 2022
This leaves Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani as the other centre-back options remaining on the team. Bonucci is 35-years-old, but a guaranteed starter. For the time being, a centre-back duo of Bonucci and Koulibaly is one to be respected. Acquiring Koulibaly keeps Juventus competitive in the near future, but potentially losing a young star in De Ligt means the club needs to find a long-term replacement as well.
