According to a report by reliable Manchester Evening News correspondent Stuart Brennan, Man City are ‘pursuing‘ a deal for Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly after securing the signing of Nathan Ake on Wednesday evening – a move which could spell bad news for Nicolas Otamendi in particular.
Koulibaly is currently one of the most highly sought-after defensive assets in Europe, with arch title rivals Liverpool also eyeing a transfer swoop, but as it stands, City are reportedly unwilling to pay the Senegal international’s £80 million valuation.
Who should City sign after Ake?
Koulibaly
Skriniar
Diego Carlos
Regardless, a report by the Athletic’s Sam Lee claims that there is a ‘reasonable expectation’ we will eventually pay up given our past haggling over ex-target Harry Maguire – with director of football Txiki Begiristain and co eager to avoid a similar situation.
The right man?
Koulibaly’s form over the last few seasons has been well noted by Europe’s elite, so much so that City want the player who can inject even more defensive quality.
The 29-year-old has also been touted as a leader who can organise our back line, and the signing could send out a statement of intent to rivals Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League.
Even though there have been reservations surrounding his age, the fact we signed Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk when he was 28-years-old back in the summer of 2013 could bode well.
Still going strong having arguably entered City legendary status, some Sky Blue supporters may well be hoping Koulibaly can replicate his Etihad career.
Bad news for Otamendi…
Of course, the fact we continue to be heavily linked to one of the best defenders in Europe, even after Ake, spells more bad news for Otamendi and John Stones.
The £120,000-per-week Argentine, in particular, has little cause for keep – especially given the fact he is 32-years-old, not homegrown like Stones and hasn’t shown the quality necessary to stay in this City side since his brilliant 2017/2018 Centurions campaign.
Manager Pep Guardiola preferring Fernandinho in the right centre-back role is a clear indicator of his lack of faith in both Otamendi and Stones.
The final verdict…
Koulibaly’s record in the Champions League speaks for itself, having made more clearances per 90 on average than Virgil van Dijk according to WhoScored, and a swoop for the 6ft 4 colossus could be just what we need.