Could Everton sign Kalidou Koulibaly this summer?

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Kalidou Koulibaly could be set for a reunion with Carlo Ancelotti as Everton are reportedly interested in signing the Senegalese defender from Napoli.

That is according to Football Insider, who said that a “world-class” centre back is a priority for Ancelotti and that Koulibaly is sitting atop his wishlist.

This comes as La Gazzetta Dello Sport have also reported that Napoli are willing to slash their asking price for the defender in order to move him on and clear their wage bill.

Koulibaly will turn 30 in the summer and with his contract set to expire in 2023, this looms as the last opportunity for Napoli to generate any sort of significant transfer fee for him.

Having long been on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, Everton would do well to swoop in and beat their rivals to his signature, with Bayern Munich also believed to be joining the race.

City’s relationship with Napoli means a move there is nearly impossible, United will likely prioritise Sancho or another attacker and may not be able to afford him while Liverpool could be reeling from the financial loss of missing out on the Champions League.

That would leave Everton in the perfect position to go after Koulibaly, especially if they manage to squeeze into the top four or at least qualify for the Europa League.

Michael Keane has found some consistency for the Toffees this season, but alongside him the side are still looking for a mainstay at the back with Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey all failing to nail down a place in the side.

Koulibaly has been considered at the very top of world football for some time, but while he has had another good season in 2020/21, there are already signs of a drop off as he is getting older.

Kalidou Koulibaly – regressing with age?

Tackles, aerial duels and total duels won are all at a decrease this season, while he has made two errors leading to chances after not making one in the last two seasons.

He does still have attributes that would suit the Premier League, namely his height, pace and strength, but it feels as though the opportunity for him to get a big move might have been and gone.

That could well play into Everton’s hands, though, if none of the big teams decide to go in for him over the summer.

Depending on how much Napoli are willing to lower their valuation and depending on how high Everton can finish on the table, Goodison Park could well be seeing Kalidou Koulibaly in Everton blue from next season.