Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have completed the signing of Chelsea centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly.
He is one of the many departures expected at Stamford Bridge this summer with the Premier League transfer window open.
After a torrid debut season in England, the 31-year-old have moved to the Gulf nation. The Blues will receive £17 million for a player they spent around £35m to sign last summer.
Koulibaly arrived at Chelsea with a reputation as one of the best defenders in the world after establishing himself in Serie A with Napoli.
The Senegalese defender was a crucial figure and leader at the club. He made 315 appearances for the Partenoopei across his eight-year spell.
Koulibaly was a long-term target for Chelsea. They saw an opportunity to snap him up under their new owners and took it.
However, his time with Chelsea has been riddled with inconsistency, rash decisions and horrifying positioning. The Blues have decided to cut their losses.
They have a bloated squad and must sell many players to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP). Apart from Koulibaly, several other stars will leave the club.
Champions League winner Kai Havertz is on his way to Arsenal. The Gunners will pay £65m to secure his services.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man never quite lived up to his promise, but he’ll be hoping for a fresh start at the Emirates Stadium.
Following Koulibaly to Saudi Arabia is attacker Hakim Ziyech, who is reportedly on his way to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
The Morrocan playmaker is another that did not live up to the billing in Chelsea colours. The Blues will get £8m for him.
N’Golo Kante has also left Chelsea as a free agent and signed for Al Ittihad. He’ll join fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is on his way to Al Ahli. He will sign a three-year deal with the club.
