Kalidou Koulibaly

[zepenedo]

So badly want this transfer to go through lol.

Well, it seems like it's bound to happen next week. Unless KK pulls a Jorginho on us.

 

[citytill1die84]

Well, it seems like it's bound to happen next week. Unless KK pulls a Jorginho on us.

I always worry about somebody gazumping us mate.

 

[Kaora]

Fabrizio actually just steals the journalists you don’t trust breaking news and adds “here we go” then sends tweet. It’s not on, it’s already confirmed.

Fabrizio Romano is an excellent journalist, but who manages that "team" is Gianluca di Marzio, he is the guru of the Italian transfer market, the most reliable source, recognized by all. Fabrizio Romano works with sky and with Di Marzio, but the news is rarely his exclusive. Just for info ...

Here in Italy other less reliable sources say we are close. 70 Mln + bonus (I think they are few).

 

[SleepingBlueTiger]

I think it's been quite obvious this deal will be completed for quite a while now. I just hope we don't have to go into the market next year again for a top CB.

 

[Kaora]

How much money do you think they will spend? What do the English newspapers say?

 

[zepenedo]

I always worry about somebody gazumping us mate.

I believe the fact that Barcelona has just put their entire squad - including Piqué, Umtiti and Todibo - will distract the possible contenders that we had for Koulibaly.
Man Utd paid 87M for Maguire last year, there's no way they'll pull another transfer like that for a CB this year.
The other contender seemed to be Liverpool, but I think with the imminent signing of Thiago I guess they'll use VVD, Gomez, Matip and Fabinho as their CBs.

 

[zepenedo]

I think it's been quite obvious this deal will be completed for quite a while now. I just hope we don't have to go into the market next year again for a top CB.

That all depends on who'll be our 4th CB this year and how well they perform. Stones? Otamendi? Tosin? THB?
I think a Laporte-Koulibaly partnership will be good, given that none of them gets a long-term injury. Aké will probably be our 3rd choice.
Of course, buying Koulibaly now means we'll have to sign another world-class CB in 3 years, which wouldn't happen if we signed a younger player.

 

[citytill1die84]

I believe the fact that Barcelona has just put their entire squad - including Piqué, Umtiti and Todibo - will distract the possible contenders that we had for Koulibaly.
Man Utd paid 87M for Maguire last year, there's no way they'll pull another transfer like that for a CB this year.
The other contender seemed to be Liverpool, but I think with the imminent signing of Thiago I guess they'll use VVD, Gomez, Matip and Fabinho as their CBs.

Wouldn't rule out PSG especially with Silva leaving, or Chelsea as they look to be spending the cash. I worry to they're on the official site in a blue shirt lol

 

[Tugay One Cup]

Interesting that links to other centrebacks like Diego Carlos seem to have completely disappeared.

 

[zepenedo]

Wouldn't rule out PSG especially with Silva leaving, or Chelsea as they look to be spending the cash. I worry to they're on the official site in a blue shirt lol

PSG could be a contender, but I haven't heard any reports on it. It'd make more sense for them to buy Upamecano or another french prodigy. I think with Marquinhos, Diallo and Kimpembe they don't really need to be concerned unless a serious injury arrives.

Chelsea already spent on Ziyech and Werner. Chilwell/Tagliafico, Havertz and Onana seem to be their main targets. For CBs there have been reports on Lewis Dunk and John Stones.