Napoli central defender Kalidou Koulibaly is probably one of the best players at his position in the entire world. As has been very well publicized by the media over the past year, Manchester United are on a serious quest to upgrade at centre back. In the past summer transfer window, United pursued several centre back targets, but ended up landing none.
For various reasons, nothing came together, and in January United were completely inactive in the transfer window. Reports indicate that the club will be aggressive again in the transfer market this summer, renewing their mission to land a premium central defender, and Koulibaly is right there at the top of their list.
Koulibaly, who is wanted by several other big clubs as well, says he’s very flattered by the interest.
“My future? I don’t know if I’m one of the strongest defenders. I always try to give my best,” Koulibaly said in an interview with Rai Sport.
“Since I’m here, I always try to grow with Napoli. I have a lot of motivation to go on and I want to keep doing this. I am pleased that many teams follow me, but I want to demonstrate on the field that I am at the level of the greatest and I want to show it in the future.”
Koulibaly will be just one of many United transfer targets at the position, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld expected to be in the mix as well. Of course, before Old Trafford can start pursuing any players, a decision needs to be made on who the manager will.
United Executive Vice President Ed Woodward said just this past week that a decision on the permanent manager appointment won’t come until the end of the season.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.