Chelsea confirmed their second signing of the summer after Chelsea’s £ 47 million transfer of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.
Thomas Tuchel had hinted that Chelsea’s priority in the transfer market is to strengthen their defense ahead of next season following the departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. The 31-year-old is expected to form a strong partnership with Thiago Silva in the heart of Chelsea’s defense next season.
Chelsea paid £ 34 million for Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. The 31-year-old Senegalese international signed a four-year contract and will earn £ 295,000 weekly.
Kalidou Koulibaly scored 14 goals and provided 8 assists in 317 appearances.
He made the Italian Serie A team of the season on four occasions.
Thomas Tuchel could not hide his excitement about Kalidou Koulibaly joining Chelsea and hailed the 31-year-old Senegalese international with special abilities and experience as one of the top defenders in Europe.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly?
Reacting to Kalidou Koulibaly’s £35 million move to Chelsea, The German tactician said via the Chelsea official website, saying: “I’m very happy with him signing and joining our team.
“He’s now the second signing of the summer and again we have a strong player, a strong personality with big experience. From our point of view, he’s a perfect addition to the group.”
Thomas Tuchel also shared more on his expectation of Kalidou Koulibaly after their 2-1 victory over Club America.
The Chelsea coach added: “He brings experience, quality, top defending, quality, height, everything we’re looking for to play a back three of back four. It’s a brilliant signing, another brilliant signing for us, and we hope that he can show his quality as soon as possible.
“He is now training outside after he arrived yesterday, and we’re very happy. He knows some of the players – he plays with Edou with the national team and knows Jorgi from Napoli – so I think from this side, it will be quick that he feels welcome in the group. It’s a nice group, and everyone is happy he is with us now.”
Chelsea Goalkeeper and Kalidou Koulibaly’s National teammate Edouard Mendy have revealed that He is the type Chelsea fans will love to see.
The FIFA best men Goalkeeper of the year said: “If you talk about his qualities on the pitch, I think I will let the people and the Chelsea fans see this player and I hope they will enjoy watching him. He’s a top player, as everybody knows, but he is a top person and that’s why in the dressing room he’s a very good addition.
“He is a guy who likes the responsibility, but also he can joke with everyone, so we need this kind of person. And I think everybody’s going to be happy with him and what they see.
“Every year we had this – the link with Chelsea and Kalidou in the media – and this year it happens so I am happy!”
Chelsea recorded their first pre-season win over Club America and will play their next pre-season game on Wednesday.
