For the past couple of seasons, Kalidou Koulibaly is probably one of the most mentioned defenders in the transfer market.
The Napoli player has been linked to several clubs from different countries, with Chelsea involved in most of the stories.
But in the past month, there’s a new club that would have joined the Blues in the race for the defender, and that’s Barcelona. Several reports said the Catalan side would be battling Chelsea for him soon.
But despite the rush from some outlets to report it, Koulibaly’s agent made sure to rubbish the speculation.
Bruno Satin spoke to Radio Crc on Thursday, and denied suggestions the player would be close to joining the Catalan side: “I’m in Madrid, not in Barcelona. I do not think Barça have the money to buy Koulibaly. Sport is a newspaper in Barcelona, but I wouldn’t give heed to this news. I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone asked for Koulibaly, but he is focused on Napoli so it is not a problem.”
“Kalidou has led the challenge against Sassuolo and one against Manchester City. In England, Napoli played a very high level game, we hope to play the same match at San Paolo. He feels an important piece at Napoli, thanks also to Sarri who gives him responsibility and confidence.” (via Calcio Mercato)
Money may have never been a big issue for Roman Abramovich at Chelsea, but saying that Barcelona can’t afford a player is quite a strong statement as well… but probably right.
With Gerard Pique not knocking on the retirement door, and Samuel Umititi his partner, Barcelona don’t have €40-60m to spend on a central defender, plus big wages.
