Chelsea's $295k per week "leader" is reportedly planning to depart Stamford Bridge.
According to Daily Express columnist Ryan Taylor, Kalidou Koulibaly isn't expected to remain at Stamford Bridge this summer.
According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, Chelsea will be prepared to unload Kalidou Koulibaly in the forthcoming transfer season if a "suitable offer" is made.
Koulibaly, a high-profile summer transfer from Napoli in July who was hailed by former manager Graham Potter for his leadership, has underwhelmed in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Kalidou Koulibaly is a transfer target for Chelsea.
According to Sky Sports, the Senegal captain, who makes £295,000 a week, signed a four-year contract with Chelsea last year for £33 million. Koulibaly, one of the top defenders in Serie A, has struggled in the Premier League, starting just 20 games.
The player was reportedly set to leave Chelsea last month, and Juventus was keen in bringing Koulibaly back to Serie A. However, according to other reports, the player wants to stay with the team and will compete for a spot in the lineup for the upcoming season.
According to Yahoo, should their £52 million offer for Milan's Mike Maignan not be accepted, Chelsea is prepared to offer Koulibaly on loan and cash for Inter goalie Andre Onana.
What has Taylor stated on Koulibaly and Chelsea?
"I have been disappointed, though, that Koulibaly hasn't really been as good as he was when he was at Napoli," Taylor admitted to GIVEMESPORT.
"I wouldn't anticipate his staying. He seems like someone Chelsea would be willing to sell if the right price came up.
What does Koulibaly's future hold?
Koulibaly's future at the club is now in limbo given Chelsea's wealth of options at centre back, especially with the young 20-year-old Levi Colwill returning to the team following a good loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mauricio Pochettino, the club's new manager, would still wish to keep the player because of his experience, especially if Thiago Silva decides to quit the team and join Brazilian team Fluminense again, as has been rumoured by Goal. But that does seem improbable given Pochettino's track record with younger, more motivated players.
It's difficult to imagine a club making a move for Koulibaly as well, in part because of his salary (£160,000 per week plus bonuses, per Sky Sports), age, and injury history. The consequence that is most likely is a loan made to Italy, with a Seria A covering a substantial portion of Koulibaly's salary. Koulibaly would be the perfect centre back for Juventus and Inter, both of which are in desperate need of one. If Kim Min-jae departs the team, a return to Napoli is also a possibility. Italian champions this summer because of his release clause.
