Kalidou Koulibaly to United: Manchester United are keen on signing Napoli’s defender Kalidou Koulibaly in January.
Manchester United’s defensive crisis isn’t a hidden secret. For many years, defence has been one of the major concerns for their managers. Under Jose Mourinho, United brought two defenders in Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, but the crisis doesn’t seem to end for the club.
This season, Manchester United are the only club in Premier League’s top-10 to have a negative goal difference (-1). This makes defensive signing a top priority for Mourinho in the January transfer window.
The summer has been relatively quiet for United, with more action in Mourinho’s press conferences than the transfer market. However, recent reports suggest that Ed Woodward will be allocating significant funds to bring new reinforcements in January.
According to Daily Record’s journalist Duncan Castles, Manchester United are ready to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Kalidou Koulibaly to United:
In the past few weeks, the speculations concerning new defensive signings have significantly increased. Mourinho is reportedly set to part ways with his defensive duo. The two names, however, aren’t fixed.
OFFICIAL: The nominees for the BBC African Footballer of the Year Award have been announced:
🇲🇦 Medhi Benatia
🇸🇳 Kalidou Koulibaly
🇸🇳 Sadio Mane
🇬🇭 Thomas Partey
🇪🇬 Mohamed SalahWho’s your winner? pic.twitter.com/ErcUR36m3m
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) November 17, 2018
While some reports claim that Bailly and Rojo will leave, while some suggest that the Argentine defender would be accompanied by Phil Jones on his way out from Old Trafford.
Kalidou #Koulibaly has been named on the five-man shortlist for the BBC African Footballer of the Year award! Well done, @kkoulibaly26! #BBCAFOTY 👉🏻 https://t.co/EX32UMlh2u pic.twitter.com/F2ZL1ztqi2
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) November 17, 2018
Kalidou Koulibaly has been a ‘top defensive priority’ for Manchester United, according to Daily Record’s journalist Duncan Castles.
Early rumours coming out for the next 2 windows…
➡️ Smalling
➡️ Jones
➡️ Rojo
➡️ Bailly⬅️ Alderweirald
⬅️ Godin
⬅️ Koulibaly
⬅️ MaguireHighly doubt it…. But time will tell 🤷🏻♂️#MUFC
— John Gorman (@ormo5000) November 17, 2018
Koulibaly has been a key figure at Napoli and has continued to impress the fans and pundits alike with his solid performances over the years. The Senegalese defender has been central to Napoli’s season last year, where the club finished 2nd in Serie A.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to bring Koulibaly to Manchester United. The problem, however, lies in his transfer fees.
My dream XI next szn:
De Gea
Dalot-Bailly-Koulibaly-Shaw
Fred-Perreira-Pogba
Dembele-Lukaku-Martial
— * (@degeaoIogy) November 17, 2018
It is expected that Napoli will demand high transfer fees for the defender, as Koulibaly signed a new contract with the club only this summer.
Mourinho is interested in signing Kalidou Koulibaly. Arsenal and Tottenham would like to sign Bailly #mulive [duncan castles]
— utdreport (@utdreport) November 17, 2018
What next?
Manchester United’s defender Victor Lindelof faces injury fear after being substituted at halftime against Turkey during the international break.
Mourinho is interested in signing Kalidou Koulibaly. Arsenal and Tottenham would like to sign Bailly. #MUFC
— FootballTransferNews (@FTransferNews) November 17, 2018
According to his teammate Andreas Granqvist, the defender was feeling ‘unwell’ before the game, but played for 45 minutes.
