According to recent reports, Manchester City’s proposed move for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is facing problems due to the relationship between the player agent, Fali Ramadani, and Txiki Begiristain.
The reports by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claim that Manchester City director Begiristain ‘still hasn’t digested’ Ramadani’s client Jorginho eventually moving to Chelsea rather than City after terms had been agreed for Pep Guardiola’s side to bring the Italian to the club back in 2018.
Now, with Ramadani representing Koulibaly, City are ensuring that they are ‘very careful’ in dealings with the agent, as they ‘don’t want to be used’ to create a bidding war for the centre-back.
However, it is reported that is Ramadani is indeed trying to get Napoli, who want a figure near €100 million (£90.9 million) for the defender, and City, who have so far offered €65 million (£59.1 million), ‘as close as possible’.
Although, it is also mentioned that the agent is keeping Liverpool in mind as a potential suitor for Koulibaly, despite the fact that Jurgen Klopp’s side are not believed to have the funds readily available to make a move for the defender.
TIF Thoughts…
With reports suggesting that Koulibaly is a top target for City this summer, it would seem likely that Guardiola, who has also outwardly spoken about his desire to bring two new centre-backs to the club ahead of next season, would be very keen for City to get the deal for the defender done with minimal fuss.
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However, it does seem that Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis appears to be unwilling to move on his €100 million (£90.9 million) asking price for the defender, meaning that City will likely have to considerably up their current offer if they are to fulfil Guardiola’s wishes.