Napoli: Three hopes, one fear
By Sean Maslin
Hope #1: That they can keep Kalidou Koulibaly for a full season.
For the past two seasons Koulibaly has been one of the top center-backs in all of Serie A. The Senegalese international’s imposing size (6’2″) and expert tackling ability have made Napoli incredibly difficult to break down and one of the strongest defenses in Europe. Koulibaly has been a large part of Napoli’s renaissance in Italian football in recent seasons and has become a bit of a fan favorite.
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But as with any player who has excelled outside of the big-pocketed sides in Europe he has started to attract attention. Although Koulibaly is currently in the middle of a five-year deal Napoli president Angelo De Laurentiis did reveal that his club received a 58 million pound bid from Chelsea during the summer transfer window. ESPN FC have reported that the club has a release clause for close to 60 million pounds.
While more suitors will come knocking at Napoli’s door this season for Koulibaly’s services the team would be wise to hold on to him. On the pitch the club doesn’t really have a ready-made replacement. The club did sign Lorenzo Tonelli from Empoli in the offseason and although he has plenty of experience in Serie A and with Sarri he hasn’t shown the physical skills to move into Koulibaly’s position.
There is also the perception problem. With management receiving considerable flack from supporters after the Higuain move it might not be the best time to unload an important starter. Especially since the club has a chance to compete in Europe now doesn’t seem like the time to give in to a power club. Barring an injury, Koulibaly’s value will not diminish over the season so it makes little sense to jump the gun and potentially wreck a promising season.