Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace (RCSA) have officially announced the permanent signing of young French defender Soumaïla Coulibaly from German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. The transfer solidifies Coulibaly`s return to French football after a recent loan spell and a period developing in Germany.
The 21-year-old centre-back has committed his long-term future to the Alsace club, signing a contract that will keep him at Strasbourg until June 2029. While financial details were not formally disclosed by the clubs, reports circulating indicate the transfer fee was agreed upon at approximately €7.5 million.
Coulibaly`s path to Strasbourg began in the Parisian youth football scene, notably progressing through the academies of FC Montfermeil and eventually Paris Saint-Germain. In 2021, he opted for a move abroad, joining the renowned development setup at Borussia Dortmund.
At Dortmund, Coulibaly primarily gained experience with the club`s second team, making 25 appearances in the lower leagues. His senior team exposure was limited, featuring just once in the UEFA Champions League in November 2022 and making a single Bundesliga appearance in April 2023. To gain more consistent first-team minutes, he spent the entire 2023/2024 season on loan at fellow Ligue 1 club Stade Brestois.
During his loan spell with Les Pirates, Coulibaly made 16 appearances across all competitions. His time at Brest coincided with a historically successful season for the Brittany club, which saw them achieve qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
The move to Strasbourg is confirmed as a permanent transfer, providing stability for the young defender. This contrasts with potential scenarios sometimes observed within multi-club ownership structures, such as the one involving BlueCo (who own both Chelsea and Strasbourg), where players might be acquired by one club and subsequently loaned to another. Coulibaly joins RCSA directly on a long-term deal.
For Racing Club de Strasbourg, the acquisition of Coulibaly represents a calculated investment in a defender with considerable potential and experience gained from top academies and senior exposure in two major European leagues. At 21, he adds valuable depth and competition to the defensive unit as the club prepares for the upcoming season, aiming to leverage his skills developed both in France and Germany.
The long-term contract at Strasbourg provides Soumaïla Coulibaly with a significant opportunity to establish himself consistently at the senior level and become a key component of the club`s future defensive structure.
