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“I’m not convinced” – Ex-Man City star urges Txiki not to sign “extraordinary” €90m ace

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Speaking to the Football Index Podcast, ex-Man City defender Joleon Lescott has urged director of football Txiki Begiristain not to sign Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly despite our heavy interest – going on to claim that he is not ‘convinced‘ that the 29-year-old is right. 

The hectic nature of this summer transfer window cannot be understated so far, with City already securing deals for both Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake within two days of eachother. 

Is Lescott right about Koulibaly?

Yes, 100%, Diego Carlos a better option

Absolutely not

Once Torres put pen-to-paper, Ake was announced just 24 hours later after returning from holiday, but Lescott believes the Sky Blues should not add Koulibaly to the list of summer signings.

Why do we want him?

Arguably one of the most desired centre-back targets in Europe, with Liverpool also hot on his tail, Koulibaly has been a solid presence for Napoli over the last few seasons whilst emerging as a real leader.

Indeed, as per Sam Lee in the Athletic, City are now keen to pursue a deal despite being hesitant over his reported €90 million (£81.8 million) tag – with the Sky Blues apparently desperate to avoid another Harry Maguire situation.

Lescott’s verdict…

A member of our first ever Premier League title-winning squad under Roberto Mancini, Lescott has many fine memories at the Etihad and has become one of our loanee player liaison agents.

Partnering club legend Vincent Kompany as we dramatically secured the 2011/2012 crown, the Englishman knows all about being part of a successful City defence.

Speaking to the Football Index podcast, the 37-year-old believes the signing of Ake will bare fruit, while he is still yet to be convinced Koulibaly is the right man for us.

“I’m not convinced that Koulibaly would be the right signing for Manchester City,” explained Lescott.

“I think the club is going down the right route with Ake. Koulibaly is a few years older than Ake and would cost twice as much, while he’d also need time to adapt to the Premier League.

“There’s no guarantee that Koulibaly could perform in the Premier League as he has done in the Serie A, which is a completely different proposition.”

Right or wrong?

Given Koulibaly’s ‘extraordinary‘ credentials, we may have to disagree with Lescott on this one.

The Senegalese colossus, standing at an imposing 6ft 4, could be just what we need to wrestle back the title from Liverpool – not to mention it would send a real statement of intent to our rivals.

Whether or not we eventually secure a deal remains to be seen, but there is a reason we could be open to paying £81.8m.

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