Kalidou Koulibaly: Senegal defender's transfer to Saudi side Al-Hilal confirmed after one season at Chelsea
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Updated 25/06/2023 at 20:49 GMT
Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has cut short his time at Stamford Bridge after it was confirmed - by the player, the Blues and his new side - that he has joined Saudi Arabian Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. Koulibaly is just one of a growing number of Premier League players and others across Europe who are moving to the big-spending league in the Middle East.
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Kalidou Koulibaly has completed his transfer from Chelsea to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
The 32-year-old Senegalese has left Stamford Bridge for an undisclosed fee, and he will link up with another Premier League player after Ruben Neves joined from Wolves for £47 million.
Reports suggest Chelsea will receive £17m for Koulibaly.
Chelsea have also seen N’Golo Kante move to Al-Ittihad, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is expected to move to Al-Ahli.
Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech may also leave for a Saudi club.
The move means Koulibaly has ended his time at Stamford Bridge just a year after arriving from Napoli as one of the most coveted defenders in the world.
He made just 23 Premier League appearances in a season that saw Chelsea finish in mid-table, win no trophies, and go through four different managers.
"From my first game to my last, it was an honour to wear this badge," Koulibaly said on Twitter.
"Last season wasn't the one we wanted, but I want to thank the fans and everyone at the club for your support."
Chelsea, in their statement to confirm the news, said: "We would like to thank Kalidou for his contributions on and off the pitch during his time at Stamford Bridge and wish him well for the next stage of his career."
A string of high-profile players have moved to the Saudi Arabian Pro League after Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January after leaving Manchester United.
Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema has joined Al-Ittihad, and both Arsenal's Thomas Partey and Manchester City's Bernardo Silva could move next.
Chelsea are also expected to sell Kai Havertz to Arsenal and Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, while a potential deal for Mason Mount has reportedly not been abandoned by Manchester United just yet despite having three bids rejected.
New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has signed Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig and Nicolas Jackson is reportedly set to join for around £30m from Villarreal.
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