Carlo Ancelotti successfully convinced Kalidou Koulibaly to remain at Napoli despite a substantial transfer bid from Manchester United. The Senegalese defender revealed how the esteemed Italian coach thwarted a potential blockbuster move to Old Trafford in 2018.
Seven years ago, Jose Mourinho was keen on securing a top-tier center-back for United and identified Koulibaly, along with Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld, as potential targets. Napoli received an offer, which Koulibaly recalled amounted to €100 million (£88 million today).
Although Koulibaly was eager to switch to the Premier League club, Napoli refused to part ways with him. Ancelotti’s interference played a pivotal role in changing Koulibaly’s decision.
Recalling the incident on the Zack en Roue Libre Podcast as reported by Tutto Mercato, Koulibaly shared, “Napoli had received an offer worth €100m from Manchester United, but they rejected it.” Ancelotti then approached him, emphasizing his ambition to win the Scudetto and inquiring about Koulibaly’s intentions.
Initially contemplating a departure after spending four seasons at Napoli, Koulibaly admitted, “I thought my time at Napoli was over. I had given my all.” However, Ancelotti’s personal engagement and persuasive approach led Koulibaly to reconsider.
The proposed move fell through, and Koulibaly continued with Napoli for another four years before eventually transferring to Chelsea in 2022. Following a brief stint with the Blues, he moved to Al-Hilal in 2023, where he currently plays.
While United missed out on signing Koulibaly, they later invested £80 million in acquiring Maguire from Leicester City. Maguire, who joined the club in the 2019/20 season alongside Bruno Fernandes, remains a key player at Manchester United.
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