Everton signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer will not be enough for Rafael Benitez to win over Toffees supporters, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned.
According to Calciomercato, the Merseyside club are interested in signing the £43.2m-rated 30-year-old and have already made an offer for his services.
Koulibaly has been one of the standout centre-backs in Serie A for a while now, with former team-mate and ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina hailing him as “extraordinary”.
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Without a doubt, Everton could be getting quite the defender. Palmer, however, believes the Senegal international’s addition alone will not change how some fans feel about Benitez following his successful spell in charge of their fierce rivals.
When asked if signing a player like Koulibaly could help take some of the heat off Benitez, the ex-Leeds United and Southampton star told TIF:
“Once you take over at Everton and you’ve been manager of Liverpool, you’re on a hiding to nothing.
“The only thing that’s going to take the heat off Rafa Benitez is winning football matches. He’s got to play a brand of football that the supporters want to see. I think he’s in a very, very difficult position.”
Everton have already strengthened their attack by bringing in wingers Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, so perhaps they will now turn their attention to trying to wrap up a deal for a centre-half like Koulibaly.