Chelsea star Reece James has sent a touching farewell message to Kalidou Koulibaly after the Senegal international joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Koulibaly was one of the first signings of the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital era just one year ago, making a £30million move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge.
The experienced defender was tasked with filling the void left by Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, but he endured a difficult debut season for the Blues. Koulibaly became the second departure of the summer - completing a move to the Saudi Pro League - following N'Golo Kante's exit to Al-Ittihad.
Benoit Badiashile's arrival in January saw Koulibaly fall further down the pecking order with Wesley Fofana and Thiago Silva preferred in defence. Levi Colwill's return from a successful loan spell this summer added to speculation that Koulibaly could leave the club before he sealed a £19.6million switch to Al-Hilal.
