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Saudi Arabia have approached Kalidou Koulibaly, will let him join whichever team he wants

Saudi Arabia have approached Kalidou Koulibaly, will let him join whichever team he wants

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund have approached Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly in a bizarre move.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly is the subject of an unusual approach from Saudi Arabia, who want to make him the next high-profile addition to the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in Al Nassr, where he is said to earn a reported £175-million-a-year, put football in the kingdom on the app.

Karim Benzema has since signed for SPL winners Al Ittihad in an outrageous £173-million-a-year switch and Saudi's Public Investment Fund, which has a 80 per cent stake in Newcastle, are believed to be targeting a number of stars playing at the top level in the Europe.

And Sports Zone, via Get French Football News, say that Koulibaly is at the top of their wishlist.

Koulibaly only joined Chelsea in the summer in a £33 million move from Napoli, penning a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

He struggled in his first season and the Senegalese international could be heading for an early exit, with reports stating he will be allowed to leave the Blues.

Image: Alamy
Image: Alamy

And there is a concrete offer from Saudi, specifically the PIF. In a strange situation, it's said the PIF want Kouliably to join champions Al Ittihad and play under former Spurs and Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

However, they are also content with letting him join any other Saudi side - providing a deal can be done with Chelsea.

Koulibaly is still contracted until 2026 and so unlike with Ronaldo and Benzema, a transfer fee would be required as opposed to the player arriving on a free.

Image: Alamy
Image: Alamy

Another Chelsea star could soon be playing in the Middle East, with midfielder N'Golo Kante widely expected to link up with compatriot Benzema at Al Ittihad this summer.

Elsewhere, there are reports that a huge managerial appointment may well be on the cards as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has apparently received an offer from Saudi side Al Ettifaq.

Gerrard has been out of work since October, when he was sacked by Aston Villa after a dire run of form left them in the relegation zone.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & FootyRenders

Topics: Chelsea, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Kalidou Koulibaly, Cristiano Ronaldo

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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