Everton could be set to move for experienced Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly following a personal request from Rafa Benitez.
As shared on Twitter by Everton fan podcast The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed), a report from 90min has claimed that the Napoli bulwark has been ‘bumped up’ on the Toffees’ priority list.
Twitter:
Rafa Benitez has asked Everton’s hierarchy to sign Napoli Defender, Kalidou Koulibaly this summer
(Source – 90Mi… https://t.co/IZrmm9kkHm (@EvertonNewsFeed)
Working closely with Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands, Benitez has personally intervened on the club’s transfer policy and is pushing for a reunion with the ex-Metz defender.
The pair worked together for a season at Napoli, with Benitez recruiting the 30-year-old to Serie A in 2014.
Entering the latter years of his career, 90min notes that Koulibaly is no longer viewed as an ‘untouchable’. Having once stapled a £100million price tag onto the star centre-back, it is reported that Napoli would be prepared to accept £35million.
Yerry Mina, who featured heavily for Colombia in this year’s Copa America tournament, has been linked with a Goodison Park exit with hints that he is not a part of Benitez’ plans.
Consequentially, Koulibaly has been earmarked as a replacement.
Read Everton Verdict
With Benitez preferring a back four, Everton are adequately stocked for centre-backs twice over.
Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane are all experienced, adept choices on Everton’s books.
Introducing a player of Koulibaly’s elite calibre is sure to unsettle the squad’s options, and at least one defender would likely make way this summer with Mina appearing as the most obvious candidate.
Given Koulibaly’s experience working with Benitez and playing in the Champions League, Koulibaly could be an inspiring defensive presence that boasts the necessary acumen in Everton’s quest to challenge for European football.
However, being outside of European competitions at present could act as a deterrent in Koulibaly’s mind from any potential Goodison Park move.
