Kalidou Koulibaly Transfer: Saudi clubs are yet to seize their spending spree as reports say, they are now looking to bring in Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly. After just spending one year at Chelsea, Koulibaly might be leaving for Al-Ittihad at the age of 31 years. He still has 3 years left on his contract with Chelsea. However, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are trying to lure him to the Middle East. Due to a nightmare season, even if Chelsea want to retain him, Koulibaly might just leave the club. Follow Premier League LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Kalidou Koulibaly came to Chelsea a year ago at the start of last season from Napoli. However, his time at the Premier League club has not gone well. With the arrival of new owners, several players arrived at Chelsea. This caused Chelsea to have a bloated squad of 31 players. The club has also gone through 4 coaches in the meantime. However, none of them were able to save Chelsea’s nightmare season. Chelsea ended the season in the 12th position in the Premier League table.
Koulibaly scored 2 goals from 32 appearances for the club this season throughout all competitions. Chelsea’s bloated squad was one of the sole reasons behind their terrible season. Additionally, they have also suffered a financial loss. As Mauricio Pochettino joins as their manager, he will make a list of players to sell. Reportedly, Koulibaly will not be included in that list. However, he will probably inform the club that he will not be staying. In the midst of this, Saudi’s PIF have approached the center back.
As per reports, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have approached Koulibaly as a way out of Chelsea. As a part of their offer, they have named Al-Ittihad as Koulibaly’s primary destination. However, as per reports, he will have the freedom to choose any other club in the country if he wants to move. PIF are set to acquire control of 4 major Saudi Pro League clubs – Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. Additionally, in the Premier League, they hold an 80% share of Newcastle United.
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PIF want Koulibaly to embrace their project by joining a club and moving to Saudi. Reportedly, the defender is open to discussions regarding the potential move. Saudi clubs have been able to lure in some amazing players this year alone. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr at the start of the year. His former teammate Karim Benzema joined another Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad on a gigantic £342 million salary. Koulibaly’s teammate N’Golo Kante is also set to join Benzema at Al-Ittihad where he might be reunited with Koulibaly.
The defender is reportedly unhappy at Chelsea. Hence, it seems that he could leave during this summer transfer window. However, it’s still not sure that he will be moving to Saudi. While Saudi’s offer can be lucrative for any player, he could still want to remain in Europe for a few more years. He could still receive more offers from several European clubs. As of now, apparently, he has spoken to the current Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri. He has been linked with a move to Juventus as well prior to the beginning of next season.
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