Kalidou Koulibaly ‘offered Chelsea a surprise escape route following an approach from Saudi Arabia’s PIF, with the centre-back able to join Al-Ittihad or another club’
- Kalidou Koulibaly had a poor first season at Chelsea after joining the club
- According to reports, the defender is the subject of a proposal from Saudi Arabia
- Al-Ittihad has been linked and Koulibaly may be open to a transfer this summer
Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been approached by Saudi Arabia about a potential move to Al-Ittihad and may leave after just one season, the allegation says.
The centre-back sealed a move to Stamford Bridge in a £34 million deal last summer, but endured a poor first campaign after the club finished 12th in the Premier League.
Neither Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor nor Frank Lampard could save the sinking ship and Koulibaly could be lured away by the Saudi Arabia Investment Fund.
According to Sports zonethe 31-year-old Senegal international has been offered a surprising escape route from West London following the offer from the Middle East.
It is said that the PIF, which has invested in several clubs and has an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle, is hoping to convince Koulibaly to embrace the project.
Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly is wanted by Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, the claim reports
The centre-back moved to Stamford Bridge last summer but had a miserable first season
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has approached Koulibaly and offered him a choice of clubs to entice him to move this summer (Photo: PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan)
Al-Ittihad is mentioned as a possible destination, although the same outlet adds that the player can join another club in the country if they wish.
Sport Zone believes that Koulibaly is open to discussions about the possible switch.
Karim Benzema was lured to Al-Ittihad by Real Madrid this month, with a staggering £342 million financial package submitted for the prolific striker. N’Golo Kante, Koulibaly’s team-mate at Chelsea, is also close to signing for the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile practices his profession for Al Nassr in the same division.
A deal with Koulibaly is not believed to be imminent, but his future at Chelsea could be uncertain following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as manager.
Mauricio Pochettino will soon decide which Chelsea players can be sold in the window
Koulibaly could be tempted to move from West London and Juventus were previously linked
Karim Benzema was lured from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad with a £342 million package
He is tied to a contract that runs until 2026 and in light of the turmoil of his first year in the top flight, he would be attracted to the Saudi Arabian proposal.
Juventus have been linked with a transfer from Koulibaly and he would be unhappy at Chelsea, meaning he could be part of the club’s summer exit.
Koulibaly made 32 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring two goals.
Chelsea will assess their bloated squad this week and new boss Pochettino will determine who can be dropped during the current transfer window.
Romelu Lukaku will reportedly be told by the club that they would like to work with him next season, although he is expected to say he wants to leave.