According to Italian journalist Fabio Santini, Liverpool are preparing a serious bid for Kalidou Koulibaly. The Napoli center-back is one of the best in his position and is valued at £75m.
The Reds came from behind to defeat Sheffield United 2-1 at Anfield. It was Sheffield who took the lead through Sander Berge’s penalty but Roberto Firmino equalized for Liverpool before Diego Jota netted the winner in the 64th minute.
But the game provided concerns in defense. Fabinho, who played so well against Ajax in his new role, gave away a penalty from which Sheffield scored. Virgil Van Dijk is already out for the season through an ACL injury.
This has prompted talks of bringing in a new defender. There have been reports that Liverpool are now forced to cash in to stabilize the position. Otherwise, it will be an uphill task for them to defend their title.
Koulibaly worth £75m
Liverpool are reportedly linked with Koulibaly and they are willing to break the bank to land the superstar from Napoli. But this time it is more than just speculation.
Liverpool are serious to bring in him. A bid is believed to arrive in the January window. The Senegalese star is a class apart and will cost the English giants a lot of money to bring him in.
This is confirmed by Santini. He is quoted by Arena Napoli, “The club that is more serious for the Senegalese is Liverpool. Attention: the Reds offer to the Naples a figure between 70 and 75 million euros, the sum that De Laurentiis asks”
The owner of Napoli has also stated Koulibaly’s availability. And according to Santis, Liverpool has made an offer to meet Napoli’s asking price for him. He would be the second most expensive signing at the club.
Liverpool need a defender
In Van Dijk’s absence, Fabinho stepped up to fill in his void. Originally a defensive midfielder, the Brazilian adjusted well to his new role. He has now started three games in that position.
Fabinho put up fascinating performances against Chelsea and Ajax and drew praise. But he messed a clearance and lunge subsequently for a challenge to give away a spot-kick on Saturday. This shows that he can be vulnerable.
Also, Gomez is still young and rectifying a few things in his game. Joel Matip is often injured and Dejan Lovren had been sold in the summer. With no Van Djik, Liverpool are looking fragile in defense.
So, the urgency for getting Koulibaly is understandable. They also need a ball playing, strong center-half with leadership trait. Liverpool will get the exact match with the 29-year-old. They should now get their head down to move for him in the next window.
