Liverpool

Liverpool: Fabrizio Romano claims that Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the club’s ‘first options’

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Image for Liverpool: Fabrizio Romano claims that Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the club’s ‘first options’

Speaking on a recent episode of the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Liverpool view Napoli defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, as one of their ‘first options’ as an incoming centre-back.

Since moving to Napoli from KRC Genk in what was a £6.98 million deal back in 2014, Koulibaly has gone on to feature 249 times for Gli Azzurri, chipping in with 10 goals and providing five assists along the way.

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However, over the summer transfer window, it appeared as if the £58.5 million-rated 29-year-old could have been on his way out of the Italian club, as he was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side eventually went on to sign Ruben Dias from Benfica, however, as it was reported that Napoli’s asking price for the Senegal captain was ‘too far out of reach’ for City.

However, while Koulibaly remains in Serie A for now, the injury picked up by Virgil van Dijk last weekend could see the Napoli centre-back finally make a move to the Premier League, as, speaking on a recent episode of the Here We Go podcast, Romano revealed that he had been informed the defender is one of Liverpool’s ‘first options’ as an incoming centre-back.

He said: “I’m sure and I’m told that Liverpool have Koulibaly as one of the first options on their list, [and has been for] months, because he’s one of the [favourites] of the scouting [department at] Liverpool.

“[However,] this summer, there was nothing with Napoli, because Liverpool were not working to sign him, but [it’s] impossible to see Koulibaly leaving Napoli in this market, it’s absolutely impossible.

“If Liverpool will go for a centre-back, it would be a different player, and not Koulibaly right now, then [in] January we will see.”

Do you think Koulibaly would be a good replacement for the injured Van Dijk?

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TIF Thoughts on Fabrizio Romano’s claim Liverpool are considering a move for Kalidou Koulibaly…

From Romano’s comments, it would appear as if the journalist is indeed of the belief that Liverpool are interested in Koulibaly, as he is a player that their scouting department have been watching for a while, however, he also appears to feel that a deal for the defender would be impossible for the Reds to do at present.

However, with Van Dijk being ruled out for what would appear to be a considerable amount of time, Jurgen Klopp is relatively short of options in the heart of his defence, so, in our opinion, it would not be surprising to see Liverpool make a move for a centre-back in the January transfer window, be that for Koulibaly or someone else.

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Football Writer for Snack Media