Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has officially bolstered its defensive ranks with the permanent acquisition of Soumaïla Coulibaly from German side Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old central defender has committed his future to the French club, signing a substantial contract that will keep him at the Meinau Stadium until June 2029.
The move marks a return to French football for Coulibaly, who previously developed in the youth academies of FC Montfermeil and Paris Saint-Germain before making the switch to Borussia Dortmund in 2021. His time in Germany saw him primarily feature for Dortmund`s second team, where he made 25 appearances, gaining valuable senior experience in lower divisions. Opportunities in the senior squad were limited, amounting to just one UEFA Champions League appearance in November 2022 and a solitary Bundesliga outing in April 2023.
Last season, Coulibaly gained significant top-flight experience during a loan spell with Stade Brestois. He was part of a Brest squad that enjoyed a remarkably successful campaign, culminating in their historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Coulibaly made 16 appearances across all competitions for Les Pirates, demonstrating his capabilities at the Ligue 1 level.
Strasbourg`s move for the young defender is understood to involve a transfer fee in the region of €7.5 million, an investment that signals the club`s confidence in Coulibaly`s potential and its ambition. Notably, the transfer was completed directly between Strasbourg and Dortmund, securing the player permanently for RCSA rather than via the often-speculated route involving a transfer to fellow BlueCo club Chelsea followed by a loan to Alsace. Strasbourg secures its target player outright.
The long-term contract reflects Strasbourg`s view of Coulibaly as a key part of their future defensive setup. His arrival brings youth, experience gained from elite academy environments, and recent exposure to successful Ligue 1 football to the squad.
