According to Sky Sports, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly may be interested in a move to Newcastle United – as long as their takeover goes through.
With the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers joining forces in a potential £300million deal, big names are being linked with the Magpies.
Now, it’s stated that the new owners want to sign Kalidou Koulibaly as one of their first big purchases once their takeover actually goes through.
The report notes that Koulibaly could be tempted by the move to St James’ Park if the takeover goes through, with a £70million price tag on his head.
That stance is understandable; Newcastle wouldn’t be able to afford Koulibaly without the takeover, and he would have little desire to make such a move without having the exciting project on offer.
The 28-year-old has become one of Europe’s top defenders in recent years, having been signed by ex-Magpies boss Rafael Benitez at Napoli in 2014.
Koulibaly has though endured a frustrating season, and Napoli look set to cash in – if they can find a buyer during his ongoing global pandemic.
If any club can come up with £70million for a player approaching 29, it may well be Newcastle under their new regime – but with no European football on offer at St James’ Park, he may still take some convincing.
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