According to a report from ESPN, Man City have retained their interest in Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly despite nearing a deal to sign Premier League defender Nathan Ake – news which could spell danger for title rivals Liverpool as Pep Guardiola gears up for 2020/2021.
Even though Jurgen Klopp’s side are also in the hunt for Koulibaly according to reports, City arguably have the more potent spending power – with journalist Pol Ballus recently stating on the 93:20 podcast that Guardiola could be gifted a £300 million transfer kitty this summer.
Would you like to see Kalidou Koulibaly at the Etihad?
Yes, please make the deal happen
No, too old and expensive
Valued at around €90 million (£81.3 million) by the Serie A giants and chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, it will take a pretty penny to secure a move for the €125,000 (£113,000)-per-week ace, but if City do manage to sign their man, the title odds for next season may well swing in our favour.
City’s glaring defensive weaknesses
It’s no secret that our inability to retain the Premier League title over the 2019/2020 campaign was largely down to defensive weaknesses, with the Sky Blues conceding 12 more league goals when compared to our successful 2018/2019 title defence.
While this may not seem largely significant, the increased goals against us has resulted in a dismal nine losses – five more defeats than we managed the season prior.
There have been many causes of our defensive downfall; from the departure of captain and club legend Vincent Kompany, Aymeric Laporte’s injury issues all the way to Fernandinho’s absence in his usual role protecting the back four.
However, the inconsistent form of both John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi has been the cherry on top of a bitter-tasting cake – with director of football Txiki Begiristain and co now reportedly looking for potential solutions in the transfer market.
Koulibaly – our answer to Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s acquisition of elite centre-back Van Dijk has arguably been the difference maker over our last two title battles with the Reds – the Dutchman seemingly elevating our rivals to the very top footballing level with his world class positional awareness at the back.
Koulibaly, despite nearing his 30s, could have the same effect at City – especially going by his WhoScored stats.
The colossus has averaged more tackles per 90 than any Sky Blues defender this season domestically, all the while managing a superior number of clearances in the Champions League over Van Dijk.
Described as the ‘complete package‘, City signing Koulibaly should definitely make our Merseyside contenders sweat.