Manchester City are said to be ready to activate Kalidou Koulibaly’s £100m release clause according to 90min. Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled in the central-defensive area this season with the injury to Aymeric Laporte and the decision not to replace Vincent Kompany proving costly.
Koulibaly has been a standout player for Napoli for a number of seasons now and it seems he is forever being linked with a move away.
Whilst City are expected to face competition for his signature it’s understood they are determined not to be beaten in the race to sign the 28-year-old.
Is a 28-year-old Koulibaly worth a £100m investment?
Yes
No
What have the fans made of the rumours linking them with the Senegalese star after the news was relayed on Twitter via City Chief?
https://twitter.com/M_M_1_9_8_8/status/1214530590332129280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
having him as a defense boss would be a good thing
— KHALIL (@Khalil_diop_Gs) January 7, 2020
I think he’s awesome!
— ????Elaine Fitzpatrick???? (@bluemoo17) January 7, 2020
offload stones and laporte to get this man
— Jonathan (@IlkalyJonathan) January 7, 2020
We must try to sign him now, today, tomorrow maybe
— _ NickNamedBilly _ (@LeedoNkwan21) January 7, 2020
Get him in immediately
— Focus On Yourself???? (@tee__birch) January 7, 2020
What do we think?
Koulibaly has played 232 times for Napoli who are among the biggest clubs in the Italian Serie A, he’s a player of great experience and incredible talent. The Senegalese international featured in all six of the clubs UEFA Champions League group games this season and has an average performance rating of 7.4/10 according to WhoScored.com.
Valued at £67.5m (via Transfermarkt.co.uk) its understood Napoli will hold out for the release clause to be met before they will entertain any discussions regarding a transfer. There’s no doubt he would strengthen Manchester City’s defence but they may be reluctant to spend such a significant amount of money on somebody of Koulibaly’s age.