Chelsea sign Koulibaly - most expensive centre-back in club history

Most recently, Juventus seemed to be in the pole position to sign Kalidou Koulibaly as a potential replacement for Matthijs de Ligt, who is being courted by Bayern Munich, but now Chelsea have won the race. Napoli and Chelsea confirmed the transfer on Saturday. 

The 31-year-old, whose current deal with the Serie A club expires next year, has signed a contract until 2027 at Stamford Bridge, which will earn him €10 million net per season. As a potential transfer fee, Fabrizio Romano has reported €38 million. With a market value of €35 million, Koulibaly is the third most valuable centre-back with a contract expiring in 2023.

Chelsea are in need of reinforcements at the back after the departures of Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) and Andreas Christensen (FC Barcelona), who both left the club on free transfers. In addition to 62-time Senegal international Koulibaly, who could become the most expensive centre-back in club history, Nathan Aké, Jules Koundé and Presnel Kimpembe are also said to be on head coach Thomas Tuchel’s radar.

Spalletti on Koulibaly: “If he decides to leave, we wish him the best”

Koulibaly 3rd The most valuable centre-backs ages 30 or older Click here for overview Napoli are already working on a possible replacement for Koulibaly. According to reports, both Fenerbahce’s Min-jae Kim and Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi are candidates, both of whom are still tied to their respective clubs until 2025. However, Kim is also said to be courted by Stade Rennais, which is why the signing of Acerbi is currently more realistic. According to Di Marzio, the Italy international would cost around €5 million.