Kalidou Koulibaly has opened up about the dramatic moment he was on the verge of joining Manchester United in 2019 — only for Carlo Ancelotti to step in at the last minute and convince him to stay at Napoli.
Speaking on the Zack en Roue Libre podcast, the now Al Hilal defender reflected on the episode that could have changed the course of his career. Koulibaly, who was at the height of his powers in Serie A at the time, confirmed that Napoli received a €100 million offer from United — a move that was ultimately blocked after Ancelotti’s personal intervention.
“Napoli received a €100m offer from Manchester United and rejected it. Ancelotti came and said to me: ‘I came here to win the league. What do you want to do?’” — Kalidou Koulibaly, via Corriere dello Sport
“My Bags Were Packed for Manchester”
Koulibaly admitted he had mentally checked out and was ready to leave Italy for England after four successful years at Napoli. The Senegal international said he even had a taxi booked for 1 p.m. to take him to the airport — until Ancelotti called him into his room for a late-night heart-to-heart.
“I told Ancelotti that I adored him, but that my bags were packed and I was leaving the next day. He told me not to worry, that everything would be sorted out tomorrow.” — Koulibaly
The next day, Ancelotti made good on that promise.
“At around 12:30, he didn’t see me for lunch. He sensed I was about to leave, called me and said: ‘I’ve sorted everything out — you’re not leaving, you’re staying with me, you’re renewing your contract.’” — Koulibaly
That conversation proved decisive. Koulibaly agreed to stay in Naples, later signing a new deal that kept him at the club until 2022 — ending any hope United had of landing him.
Ancelotti’s Man-Management at Its Finest
Koulibaly recalled being deeply affected by Ancelotti’s approach, describing how the Italian invited him into his hotel room late at night to discuss his frustrations — both were, as he amusingly put it, “in our pyjamas.”
“He opened the door and said, ‘Ah, mon ami Kalidou!’ in French. I explained to him that I wasn’t happy, that I felt disrespected by the club. But he listened, and somehow made me change my mind.” — Koulibaly
Ancelotti’s calm authority and empathy, Koulibaly said, were instrumental in convincing him to stay. The episode exemplifies the man-management skills that have defined the Italian’s illustrious coaching career — from Milan to Madrid, and in this case, Naples.
What Might Have Been for Manchester United
At the time, Koulibaly was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in world football. Powerful, composed, and tactically astute, he had helped Napoli challenge Juventus for the Serie A title under Maurizio Sarri and then Ancelotti.
Manchester United’s reported €100m bid reflected how desperate the club were to solve their defensive issues following José Mourinho’s departure and a chaotic 2018–19 season. Had the transfer gone through, Koulibaly might have partnered Harry Maguire, who joined a few months later, in what could have been a formidable backline.
Instead, the deal collapsed, and Koulibaly remained in Italy until 2022, when he eventually moved to Chelsea — though by then, he admitted, injuries and physical decline had begun to take their toll.
Our View: Sliding Doors Moment of a Career
In our view, this was one of the great “what ifs” of recent Premier League transfer history. Koulibaly at his 2019 peak would have been a transformative signing for United — arguably the world-class centre-back they spent years chasing.
Yet, from Koulibaly’s perspective, staying in Naples also had emotional weight. He was adored by Napoli fans, a leader on and off the pitch, and part of a squad that helped re-establish the club among Europe’s elite.
Key Insights
- Manchester United’s €100m bid for Koulibaly in 2019 was rejected by Napoli.
- The defender had bags packed and a taxi booked before Carlo Ancelotti convinced him to stay.
- Ancelotti’s man-management and trust led to Koulibaly renewing his contract.
- Koulibaly later joined Chelsea in 2022 before moving to Al Hilal.
- He described Ancelotti as “a great coach and a great man” who saved his Napoli career.
What’s Next
Now 34, Koulibaly is enjoying the twilight of his career in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, while reflecting on a remarkable journey that could have taken a very different turn had Ancelotti not knocked on his door that night in Naples.
👉 Manchester United fans — would Koulibaly have changed the club’s defensive fortunes had he joined in 2019?
By John William — FootballPlace.co.uk ·
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