Journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that he “wouldn’t be shocked” to see Manchester City try to replace Vincent Kompany with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
Kompany announced on Sunday following City’s FA Cup triumph over Watford that he is to leave the Citizens this summer to become player-manager at former club Anderlecht.
Writing on Twitter, Nixon said that Koulibaly – who is likely to command a world-record fee of £100million according to Evening Standard journalist Simon Johnson – could be one target on City’s list as a replacement this summer.
The Senegal international made 47 appearances in all competitions for Napoli last season, averaging 1.8 key tackles and 3.7 clearances per game in the Serie A.
Wouldn’t be shocked if they went back for Koulibaly … https://t.co/h0zXsKt20L
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) May 19, 2019
OPINION
This would be one huge transfer if it came off. Koulibaly is one of the hottest talents in European football and speculation over his future has already been rife this year. Being only 27 years of age, he has the potential to become one of the best centre-backs in the world – if he doesn’t already possess that accolade. There is no doubting that City are going to miss Kompany’s leadership and presence in the dressing room massively – he is no less than a club legend at the Etihad Stadium. Therefore, it is imperative that Pep Guardiola’s team get someone in this summer to replace him. Yes, they have the likes of Aymeric Laporte and John Stones at the back who have both had incredible seasons, but another huge addition at the back would keep City up there with their defence. With Manchester United linked with a move, it would also give Pep the chance to get one over their local rivals off the pitch, having shown how big the gulf is on the pitch this season.