Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly has bid farewell to Chelsea and its supporters after his transfer to Al-Hilal Saudi was officially confirmed. The Lions captain has signed a three-year contract with his new club and took to his social media accounts to express his gratitude to Chelsea and its fans. Koulibaly wrote, “From my first game to my last, it was an honor to wear this jersey. Last season was not the one we wanted but I want to thank the fans and everyone at the club for your support.”
Al-Hilal Saudi also welcomed Koulibaly to the team by posting a video on their Twitter account, showing the Senegalese defender wearing the Al-Hilal blue jersey. The caption accompanying the video read, “We will continue to write history together.”
Koulibaly will wear the number 3 jersey for Al-Hilal, the same number he wears for the Senegalese national team. The Saudi club will have to pay Chelsea a release clause of 23 million euros, which is equivalent to nearly 15 billion CFA francs.
In his new team, Koulibaly will be joined by Ruben Neves, who previously played for Wolverhampton in the English elite league. Additionally, Koulibaly’s compatriot and Chelsea teammate Édouard Mendy has also signed with Al-Ahli Saudi until 2026. Both players will compete in the Saudi Pro League alongside other African football stars who previously played in England, including Hakim Ziyech, who is linked to Al Nasser until 2026.
Prior to joining Chelsea in 2022, Koulibaly played for Naples in the Italian Serie A for eight seasons, accumulating over 300 games and scoring fourteen goals. The 31-year-old has been voted the best defender in Serie A three times (2017, 2018, 2019). He also played a crucial role in helping Senegal win the last edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) in Cameroon, where he was crowned the best defender.
Koulibaly’s time at Chelsea saw him play 31 games and score two goals for the Blues. The former Metz player from France and Genk player from Belgium will now embark on a new chapter in his career with Al-Hilal Saudi.
How will Koulibaly’s departure impact Chelsea’s defense and what measures is the club taking to find a suitable replacement?
E-year contract with the Saudi Arabian side, marking the end of his time with the English club.
Koulibaly, who had a successful five-year spell at Chelsea, expressed his gratitude towards the club and its supporters in an emotional farewell message. He thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout his time at Stamford Bridge, calling it an “incredible journey.”
The Senegalese defender also expressed his excitement for the new challenge that awaits him at Al-Hilal Saudi. He mentioned that he was looking forward to contributing to the team’s success and making a positive impact on and off the pitch.
The move to Al-Hilal Saudi is seen as a new chapter in Koulibaly’s career, providing him with an opportunity to showcase his skills in a different league. The player’s reputation as one of the finest defenders in the game made him an attractive prospect for the Saudi Arabian side.
Although it is difficult for Chelsea fans to bid farewell to their beloved captain, they understand that Koulibaly’s desire for a new challenge was an important factor in his decision. Supporters have wished him well and expressed their gratitude for his dedicated service to the club.
Koulibaly’s departure leaves a void in Chelsea’s defense, but the club is expected to bring in a suitable replacement as they continue their pursuit of success in domestic and international competitions.
As Koulibaly starts his new adventure with Al-Hilal Saudi, both Chelsea and its fans will look back fondly on his time at the club, appreciating the countless memories he created during his stay.
“Kalidou Koulibaly’s move to Al-Hilal Saudi is a strategic step for both the player and the club. His exceptional defensive skills and physical prowess will surely add depth to Al-Hilal’s backline. An exciting transfer that could transform their defense and elevate their chances for success in domestic and international competitions.”