Napoli are being linked with a move to sign Koulibaly as a replacement for Kim Min-jae, who is expected to leave the club.
On the 28th (local time), Italian media outlet Il Mattino reported, ‘Napoli will look for a replacement for Kim Min-jae at Chelsea if he joins Manchester United (hereinafter referred to as Man United),’ saying, ‘Man United are expected to sign Kim Min-jae in the transfer market this summer, while Napoli could bring back Koulibaly on loan. Man United are close to signing Kim Min-jae. Napoli could consider Koulibaly as a replacement for Kim. They will propose a loan move to Chelsea.메이저사이트
Kim has started 35 Serie A games for Napoli this season, leading the defence. With Kim at the heart of the defence, Napoli won their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Napoli were left with a defensive gap this season following the departure of Koulibaly to Chelsea. The departure of Koulibaly, who played for Napoli for eight seasons, forced the club to look for defensive reinforcements, which led to the signing of Kim Min-jae. Kim has been recognised as one of the league’s best defenders since the start of the season, winning the Serie A secretariat’s Player of the Month award in September last year.
Koulibaly has made 23 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season. Chelsea finished the season in 12th place in the Premier League and Koulibaly was criticised for performing below expectations. Koulibaly is expected to return to Napoli after just one season. With Kim Min-jae having filled Koulibaly’s shoes perfectly for Napoli this season, Koulibaly could be tasked with filling Kim’s shoes at Napoli next season.
Kim has been consistently linked with a move to a Premier League club. According to British outlet 90min, ‘Manchester United are not the only club who want him. Liverpool and Newcastle United are both interested in signing him. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation.
On the 10th, Italian media outlet Napoli Today reported, “Chelsea are also trying to sign Kim Min-jae. Chelsea have proposed a deal involving Koulibaly and Pulisic to sign Kim Min-jae.