Kalidou Koulibaly, a defender from Napoli has joined Chelsea on a four-year contract, making him the club’s second summer transfer window signing.
Kouliably arrived in London on Wednesday to complete his medical with the Blues. He is now joined with his new teammates in America in preparation for the preseason matchup against Club America in Las Vegas. After losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to free transfers, the Senegal center-back is Chelsea’s first defensive arrival of the summer.
After Raheem Sterling’s arrival on Wednesday, Koulibaly becomes Chelsea’s second major arrival of the summer transfer window. Sterling, formerly of Manchester City, has signed a five-year contract with the Blues.
The 31-year-old transfers from Napoli at an estimated cost of €40 million (£33.8 million). The Senegalese defender joined Napoli from Genk in 2014 and stayed there for eight years. For the Italian club throughout that period, Koulibaly made 317 appearances, 26 of which came in the UEFA Champions League.
The 31-year-old and Edouard Mendy, who led their country to AFCON victory earlier in 2022 as co-captains, will be playing as colleagues for Chelsea. He also shared the field alongside Jorginho at Napoli.
As it was his goal to play in the Premier League, the Senegalese center defender is happy to join the Blues, one of the top clubs in the world.
The defender also stated that Chelsea tried to sign him in 2016, but they were unsuccessful. He also revealed that Jorginho and Edouard Mendy were a part of what convinced him to sign with Chelsea FC.
Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the top defenders in the world, and Todd Boehly, chairman and co-controlling owner, declared that we are thrilled to have him join Chelsea. Kalidou, a fantastic leader and model team member, provides a plethora of expertise and skills that will help our team and the club as a whole.
Nice defender