Chelsea signed Kalidou Koulibaly for £ 35 million from Napoli on a four-year deal. The 31-year-old is expected to earn £295 a week.
The Senegalese international played his first match as a substitute in Chelsea’s 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in the final of Florida as part of their US Tour. He was handed his first start in a Chelsea shirt on Friday in a warm-up game against Udinese.
Kalidou Koulibaly was given the Number 26 shirt for pre-season. The number 26 shirt was previously won by Chelsea’s Legendary captain John Terry.
The 31-year-old in his desire to wear the number 26 shirt for the main season the Senegalese international called John Terry to seek his permission to you his number 26 shirt.
Watch the Video of Kalidou Koulibaly asking John Terry to use his number 26 shirt embedded here:
What of former players and active Players said about the Chelsea signing of Kalidou Koulibaly?
Chelsea Legend John Terry reacted to Chelsea’s signing of Kalidou Koulibaly on Instagram, saying: “Welcome to @chelseafc Good Luck mate 💙 26 💙.
“Top signing this is 👏🏻.”
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho who played with Kalidou Koulibaly at Napoli before he joined Chelsea in 2019 when asked if the Senegalese international was the perfect replacement for Antonio Rudiger, The Chelsea deputy captain said: “Oh definitely. For me, it’s the best replacement.
“The best choice for the club could have been made together with the staff and the coach. I just really hope and I’m pretty sure he will be a big help to our team.
“Of course, we are excited because it means new players coming to help the team and help the club achieve important things. It’s what Chelsea is all about.”
The Senegalese international was impressive both in his debut and his first start for Chelsea. Kalidou Koulibaly was included in a three men center back including Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta in their last pre-season game against Udinese.
His performance caught the eyes of his teammate Thiago Silva who was full of praise for Kalidou Koulibaly saying: “It was good.
“He is a player with a lot of experience. He played Italian football, which for me is the best defensive schooling you can possibly receive. He is ready for our ideas. He played 70 minutes, and on Saturday he will be ready to play 90.
“Normally we speak in French, because Edou does too, and Azpi, it worked well.
“The communication is not a problem, we can speak many different languages together.”
The 31-year-old is expected to make his official debut on Saturday against Everton. Chelsea will be hoping for a good start to their Premier League campaign.
There are also rumors that Chelsea wants to sign two defenders in the Premier League before the transfer window closes.
The blues are currently in talks with Brighton’s left-back Cucurella. The blues are willing to meet Brighton’s £50 million asking price for the Spanish international. The West London club is also interested in Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.
