Transfer Centre

Don Hutchison: 'Liverpool would wrap up title with Kalidou Koulibaly signing'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 06 May 2020

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison believes that the Reds would wrap up the Premier League title with Kalidou Koulibaly alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison believes that the Reds would be untouchable in the Premier League with the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Napoli defender, who is also supposedly wanted by Newcastle United's potential new owners, is widely expected to leave Italy during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool had forged a 25-point lead at the top of the Premier League table prior to the coronavirus postponement, but Hutchison thinks that Koulibaly would walk straight into Jurgen Klopp's starting 11.

Speaking to ESPN, Hutchison said: "I think if Koulibaly comes through the door and he plays alongside Virgil van Dijk, I think you wrap the title up right there. I don't think there's anyone better, there won't be another partnership like it.

"The best defenders out there in Europe apart from the Premier League at the moment is Milan Skriniar at Inter [Milan], my gut feeling is he's going to join Pep Guardiola at Man City, and alongside him is Koulibaly.

"I think at 28 he's a great age, he's got good pace, he's strong, he's a leader. I think he walks straight into Liverpool's line up and he makes them harder to beat, he makes them a physical presence.

"I think if you're going to win titles and you want to try and adapt, Liverpool have to be harder to beat. You have to go into Europe and you have to have people like Koulibaly who can lead you in Europe."

Koulibaly, who has chalked up 15 Serie A appearances this term, will reportedly be allowed to leave Napoli for no less than £96m.