Andrea Dossena believes Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly could be the “missing piece” in Liverpool ’s squad.
The Reds have been tentatively linked with a move for the Senegalese centre-back, who is thought to be interested in leaving the Stadio San Paulo when the transfer window reopens.
It has been claimed that an asking price in the region of £62m has been set by Napoli for the 28-year-old.
The likes of Manchester United and Everton have also been credited with an interest in Koulibaly’s services, but Champions League football next term could be a deciding factor as to where he ends up.
Napoli are struggling to qualify for Europe’s elite cup competition for next season, currently in sixth place and nine points adrift of fourth placed Atalanta, who occupy the final qualifying spot, with 12 league matches left to play.
Former Reds defender Dossena, who made 31 appearances for the club in two seasons between 2008-10, feels Napoli will have no choice to let Koulibaly this summer.
The former Italy international, who played for both Napoli and Liverpool during his playing career, feels Koulibaly could be a “missing piece” in Jurgen Klopp’s already impressive squad.
"To get nine points back from Atalanta (who are currently fourth in Serie A) is a mammoth challenge so should Napoli not clinch a Champions League berth, they should sell some players," Dossena told Radio Musica TV.
"The two most valued are Fabian Ruiz and Koulibaly; the latter is the most likely to leave.
"Physical and speedy, he is one of the best central defenders in the world and can have his say in the Premier League, too.
"(Jurgen) Klopp is missing just one piece to complete a stratospheric squad and the Koulibaly - Van Dijk pairing could become a big barrier."
Links to Koulibaly, however, are highly speculative - and the current coronavirus pandemic makes such mega money deals unrealistic.
