Despite being linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool legend Aldridge wants to see Serie A star Koulibaly at Anfield.
It seems a long-time since Kalidou Koulibaly was struggling to adapt to life at Napoli.
The Senegalese powerhouse is now one of the most accomplished defenders in world football, a strong and commanding centre-back blessed with the technical skills that mark him out as a truly elite talent.
And, one year after Liverpool made Virgil van Dijk the world’s most expensive centre-back for £75 million, Anfield legend John Aldridge has encouraged Jurgen Klopp’s side to break the bank again for Koulibaly.
“I would urge the club to consider making a move in the transfer market that could allow them to fit the final piece of a title-winning jigsaw into place,” Aldridge told the Independent.
“Dejan Lovren was a weak link in the defence once again as Klopp’s men lost their first Premier League game of the season at Manchester City on Thursday. And I suspect the Croatian will need to be replaced sooner rather than later if this team are to turn potential into success.
“We have seen the impact made by Virgil van Dijk since his £75m arrival last January and I wonder whether a move for a powerhouse defender like Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly could give Klopp’s side the bit they need at the back.
“Van Dijk needs an A-list defensive partner.”
Koulibaly could cost even more than the Dutch international, however, with The Metro claiming that he is valued at around £90 million.
Interestingly, Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United have made the former Metz and Genk defender their top transfer target as they aim to enhance a back-line that has struggled to keep clean sheets all season.
So Aldridge could be left disappointed. Then again, with the ever-improving Joe Gomez set to return soon from a broken foot there is an argument to be made that Liverpool don’t need Koulibaly right now.
The former Charlton youngster formed an excellent partnership with Van Dijk earlier in the season after all.
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