Koulibaly Focusing On Senegal Amid Napoli Exit Rumors

By Max Wise

Kalidou Koulibaly says his focus is on helping Senegal win the ongoing African Cup of Nations as rumors continue to link him with a move away from Napoli.

The 28-year-old former France u-20 international has earned rave reviews since joining Napoli from Belgium side Genk in 2014.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are all reportedly interested in recruiting Koulibaly to shore up their respective defensive lines.

Koulibaly will not come cheap though with Napoli placing a €120m price tag on his head to fend off potential suitors.

Koulibaly starred for Senegal on Sunday as the Taranga Lions secured a 2-0 win over Tanzania in their opening game of the African Cup of Nations.

The 2018/2019 Serie A defender of the year after the game, relegated his Napoli future to the background, instead focusing on Senegal’s quest to be crowned champions of Africa for the very first time.

"I don't know [if I will still be at Napoli], I think so, but I have to play the Africa Cup of Nations and then after that I'll go back to Napoli," Koulibaly told Goal.

"Everyone's speaking about me, but I'm only speaking about Senegal, because that's my objective and I want to achieve something big with Senegal.

"I don't want to talk about my future at the moment, I prefer to talk about Senegal. Senegal achieved something great [on Sunday]. I am 200 per cent with Senegal and 200 per cent with the 15 million Senegalese people.

"I'm relaxed, I want to focus on the AFCON and after that return to Napoli and we'll see what happens. The most important thing now is to win with Senegal."

Senegal wrap up their group stage games against Algeria and Kenya in Group C.