Everton: Kalidou Koulibaly would provide robust life to ragged backline

Everton have been linked to everyone in the transfer market since Carlo Ancelotti took over in December. Until now, Kalidou Koulibaly has managed to remain outside of this rumour mill.

This has changed, however, as Everton now desire a move for Kalidou Koulibaly; it feels as though it was always an inevitability, however. The player has a history with Don Carlo at Napoli and no one has denied that Ancelotti wants to bring in high-level players familiar with his style already.

In fact, Koulibaly fits similarly to James Rodriguez or Gareth Bale in this way; all three could use a fresh start and Everton can provide this to each should they have the economic means to do so. If Kalidou Koulibaly does come to Goodison Park, what does his service provide to the Toffees? How does he fit in amongst Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne and Mason Holgate? While it would be a massive upgrade for the Toffees, can it be accommodated alongside the team’s other ambitions?

Kalidou Koulibaly: A very desirable player in world football

That Kalidou Koulibaly is on Everton’s wish list is no surprise; he is on everyone’s wish list after all. For months, years in fact, his move has been anticipated and articulated, simply never consummated; Carlo Ancelotti may well be the manager to change that, however.

The Toffee’s need a presence like his at the centre of their defensive backline so it certainly wouldn’t be an unwise investment; whatever the cost, the dividends would likely outstrip the financial cost.

What Koulibaly provides apart from excellent defensive ability, is knowledge, organization and leadership; those could well be his most valuable assets. Ancelotti understands this as his former manager and knows that a force of that magnitude can shake Goodison Park as mightily as an offensive piece might.

While Koulibaly would be a match regular, he could allow Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate to spell each other as his partner; Holgate could potentially see himself moving up the pitch slightly into a more central defensive midfield role in this instance. This could see Everton’s defence improve across the board with the acquisition of just one player; can he be paid for?

Everton: A Proper mixture in this Summer Transfer Market

Everton would do well to work on their defensive as vigorously as their offence; Kalidou Koulibaly offers that in an abundance of course. He also is valued at nearly €100 Million; Everton would need an incredible purse to accommodate him and offensive reinforcements as well.

And yet, it can be done; the sales of players like Gylfi Sigurdsson, Theo Walcott and Michael Keane can assist in this venture. While a midfielder is crucial this summer, it is not the only need an getting a valuable player at both positions would be perfect.

Should a player like James Rodriguez be out of their price range because of Koulibaly, they may be able to get Hirving Lozano and Allan together. Solving three positions so definitively would be immense for Everton, but they certainly all have company in this goal.

Liverpool are reportedly firmly in the race, as are Newcastle United, Manchester United and Manchester City; with some of the biggest names in English football bidding, and the Magpies, the cost could become prohibitive. If the resources can be summoned however, they should be; Kalidou Koulibaly in England could be special and the team that can exercise that may be special in turn.