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.
A statement from the Blues read: "Kalidou Koulibaly has left Chelsea after completing a permanent transfer to Saudi Professional League side Al-Hilal. 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."
James has now sent a heartfelt message to Koulibaly after Chelsea confirmed the Senegalese defender's departure. In a post on social media, the England international said: "What a guy.
"What a player. Gonna miss you big bro and my French lessons *tearful emoji*."
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Mauricio Pochettino has a huge task ahead of him to trim down the playing squad. Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy are all likely to leave the club this summer with Chelsea having already confirmed the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
Nicolas Jackson is expected to complete a medical ahead of a £30million move to west London. The Villarreal striker looks set to become the second arrival at the club as Pochettino looks to revamp the squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
