Official: Chelsea sign Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli
Karan Tejwani
- 16 Jul 2022 08:20 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have made their second signing of the summer in the form of defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who moves to Stamford Bridge from Napoli for a €40 million fee.
The Senegalese defender joins on a four-year deal with an option for a further year, and will be a welcome addition to Thomas Tuchel’s squad, who has been looking to improve his back-line.
The Blues prioritized the strengthening of their defence following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers after the expiry of their contracts.
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Koulibaly moves to Chelsea having spent the past eight years at Napoli, who he joined from Belgian side Genk, and became one of Serie A’s most consistent defenders in recent times.
Koulibaly another statement signing
Chelsea had their eyes on many targets throughout the summer, with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde being one of the top ones, but they have beaten competition from the likes of Barcelona to secure Koulibaly’s services.
The 31-year-old completed the move in Los Angeles, where Chelsea are currently based as part of their pre-season preparations, and they will be hoping the player can be ready for his league debut in less than a month’s time.
The biggest show in town! 😎#KoulibalyIsChelsea pic.twitter.com/EnwDT3ofeU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 16, 2022
Chelsea are preparing for a busy summer as they hope to strengthen their team following the take over by Todd Boehly, who is in his first transfer window as Chelsea owner.
Last week, the Blues completed a move for Raheem Sterling from Manchester City – a statement signing that improves Tuchel’s attacking options, and it seems as though they are not done.
Koulibaly is another top purchase, and he may not be the only defensive signing as they are still interested in a move for another centre-half in the window.
The Senegal captain moves to Chelsea having made 317 appearances for Napoli, winning the Coppa Italia in 2020 and Supercoppa Italia in 2014.
