Norwich City will always regret £8.7m Napoli transfer collapse

Norwich City will always regret £8.7m Napoli transfer collapse

Norwich City will forever rue missing out on one of the modern era’s top centre-backs, Kalidou Koulibaly, back in 2015.

During the summer transfer window of 2015, the Canaries had a chance to secure the Napoli and Senegal defender for £8.7m, according to reports from ESPN. However, negotiations fell through, and the 24-year-old went on to forge a stellar career in Italy.

Then-manager Alex Neil had bolstering his defence as a top priority that summer, and Koulibaly fit the bill perfectly. Other clubs, including Southampton and Bayer Leverkusen, were also tracking the French-born player, who had later switched his international allegiance to Senegal.

Koulibaly had impressed in Serie A after moving from Belgium’s Genk to Napoli in 2014, making 37 appearances in all competitions during his first season. His commanding presence, tactical awareness, and physicality made him a classic no-nonsense centre-back — a profile highly sought after across Europe.

Had Koulibaly joined Norwich, he could have provided much-needed stability in the Premier League during the 2015/16 season, their first back in the top flight after winning the Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough. With Russell Martin and Sebastien Bassong as the club’s starting centre-backs, Koulibaly’s Serie A experience could have been the difference in helping the Canaries avoid relegation. Instead, Norwich finished 19th with 34 points, returning immediately to the Championship.

Meanwhile, Koulibaly thrived in Italy, becoming a cornerstone of Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli defence. Over seven seasons, he racked up over 317 appearances, scoring 14 goals, providing 17 assists, and keeping 88 clean sheets. Known for his aerial dominance, physical strength, and ball-playing skills, he became a fan favourite and one of Europe’s elite centre-backs.

In 2022, Koulibaly finally arrived in England, signing with Chelsea for the 2022/23 season. He adapted seamlessly, making 23 Premier League appearances and scoring twice, including a goal against Tottenham Hotspur.

After his stint at Stamford Bridge, he moved to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Hilal, where he continues to play regularly alongside top international stars.

Koulibaly’s honours are extensive: an Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, two-time Senegalese Footballer of the Year, and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

For Norwich City, the missed opportunity remains a painful “what could have been.” Had they secured Koulibaly, the Canaries might have enjoyed a longer, more stable spell in the Premier League, avoiding the struggles that came immediately after promotion.