According to an update from the Transfer Window podcast, Man City appear to be edging closer in negotiations for Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly – but journalist Duncan Castles has revealed that we considered a wide array of options before the Senegalese stalwart.
Castles, speaking on the TWP, explained that a right-sided centre-back to partner Aymeric Laporte was our top priority this summer – with City considering Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez as one of the alternatives.
Despite Gimenez’ pedigree, the club were told his move would only be possible if we paid the La Liga side’s €120 million (£108.2 million) release clause.
A steep fee, City were also contemplating a move for Benfica star Ruben Dias – with Castles not explaining why we didn’t pursue a deal further.
Who would you prefer to sign for City?
Kalidou Koulibaly
Ruben Dias
Why didn’t we pursue Dias?
The 6ft 1 colossus has impressed for Benfica this season, starting 33 of their league matches and becoming the vocal point of an impressive back line which conceded just 26 goals against all season.
According to WhoScored, Dias averaged a noteworthy 2.6 aerial duels won per game whilst making 3.1 clearances – numbers which trump almost every defender in City’s current squad.
As well as completing 89% of his passes out from the back, Dias’ performances have certainly warranted consideration from our point of view.
However, his £87 million release clause meant a pursuit for the Portuguese international seemed more out-of-reach than Koulibaly – who could now make his way to the Etihad for a discounted €70 million (£63.1 million).
Worth the money…
While the Napoli star could work out for £24m less than Dias, age can be a factor in the debate, with the Senegalese stalwart approaching his 30s and having little re-sale value if he were to sign a City deal.
By comparison, Dias is only 23-years-old, and his sky high potential could only climb given he is still half a decade away from the peak of his career.
Koulibaly is currently in his prime, and while we may get a fair few great seasons out of him judging by Fernandinho’s City career (he signed when he was 28), Dias could be a more fruitful option and worth the more significant investment.
Reports indicate we are close to signing Koulibaly, which is of course a fantastic acquisition, but perhaps Dias’ transfer may have had more potential.