Setting their sights on defensive additions, PIF are reportedly considering a summer swoop to sign a former Serie A centre-back who could return to European football courtesy of Newcastle United this summer.
Newcastle transfer news
Finally in position to welcome reinforcements, PIF are set for an important summer at St James’ Park. First and foremost, keeping hold of Alexander Isak should be their biggest priority. The Swedish striker has been one of the Premier League’s most clinical players throughout the current campaign and looks like a player destined for the very top.
Amid interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal, the Magpies face quite the battle to keep hold of their star man, but also look set to focus on reinforcements of their own.
According to TVPlay (as relayed by Sport Witness), PIF are now considering a move to sign Kalidou Koulibaly, using their Saudi Arabia links to their advantage to welcome the defender back to European football from Al-Hilal.
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He’s got the potential to become a Premier League superstar in the years to come.
However, the deal won’t come cheap, given that the former Napoli defender reportedly earns as much as £553,000 a week in Saudi Arabia. Whether the Magpies match that salary remains to be seen, but they could certainly do with another centre-back.
At 33 years old, Koulibaly would add instant experience alongside the likes of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, which would prove particularly key if Newcastle qualified for the Champions League this season.
With money to spend, Newcastle should finally be among those to watch this summer.
“Strong” Koulibaly has vital experience
Whilst there will be concerns over Koulibaly’s salary and his ability to step back into Europe’s top league for the first time since leaving Chelsea, his experience is undeniable. In the Champions League, Premier League and Serie A, it wasn’t often that the 33-year-old failed to impress. Now, it’s Newcastle who could take full advantage.
Earning plenty of praise from Thomas Tuchel during his time at Chelsea, the former Blues boss told reporters after his first start for the club: “He is a very, very good signing. A strong personality, a strong player. I am happy that he could play 70 minutes now. He’s getting fitter and fitter which is very important for us for the start of the season.”
What would help those at St James’ Park is the clear link between PIF and Saudi Arabia. If Newcastle have the finances available, then a deal to sign Koulibaly, on paper, should be fairly simple.
That said, it remains to be seen whether they’ll look past his age and salary as they aim to add depth to their backline.
