18 June 2023 , 15:37
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Al-Hilal are set to sign Kalidou Koulibaly, with the Chelsea defender being targeted amid a continued Saudi Pro League recruitment drive.
Koulibaly, 31, joined Chelsea from Napoli last summer but failed to live up to his big reputation as the Blues slipped to a 12th place Premier League finish. There is a rebuilding process set to take place this summer at Stamford Bridge, with up to twelve players leaving the club and Koulibaly could one of the first big names out of the door.
The Senegal international made 23 appearances in the league this season and could now move on just a single season into a four-year contract. He could follow Ngolo Kante out of the club, with the Frenchman also linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad ahead of his contract expiring on June 30.
Journalist Ekrem Konur, (via GOAL) reports that while personal terms have been agreed, a fee is yet to be finalised, with Chelsea hoping to recoup as much of the reported £33million they originally paid for the centre-back. Chelsea are expected to have a fire-sale of talent this summer, with last season's vast spending meaning they need to offload players to comply with FFP regulations.
Saudi Arabia are providing the perfect opportunity to do just that, with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) having recently purchased controlling stakes in the league's four biggest clubs, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. They are offering large fees to acquire high-reputation European talents, with the reported arrival of Ruben Neves at Al-Hilal set to be the record for a Saudi club.
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According to reports, Inter Milan are also interested in the defender, with the Champions League finalists expected to have 'conversations' with Chelsea over a move following his previous success in Serie A. Their budget is not believed to be close to that of other interested parties, however, with a reported loan move not what Chelsea are hoping for.
Foot Mercato (via Get Football News) are reporting that the Saudi Arabian government’s head of football is in London at present, with moves to sign Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech also reportedly being discussed.
Kalidou Koulibaly has not lived up to expectations at Chelsea ((Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))However, there remain scrutiny around the PIF, with their investment in LIV golf and Newcastle United shining a spotlight on the country, with continued accusations of 'Sportswashing' due to their human rights record.
Koulibaly signed a reported £162k per week deal upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge last summer, however, he has drawn criticism as his arrival did not hit the heights expected following his move. His performances were subject to scrutiny as an example of Todd Boehly's unprecedented £600 million spending spree last season, with the American admitting 'mistakes' during his first season.
The defender missed the final weeks of the season, with an injury sustained in April. His departure would open the opportunity for young players to come through, with Levi Colwill returning from his Brighton loan deal.