Ivorian defender Habib Anas Coulibaly joins Austrian side TSV Hartberg on multi-year deal

Ivorian centre-back Habib Anas Coulibaly has signed a two-year contract with Austrian Bundesliga side TSV Hartberg, with an option to extend for an additional season.

The 21-year-old had been without a club since the expiration of his deal with RCD Mallorca’s B team on July 1, 2024. His move to Austria marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career as he looks to establish himself in top-flight European football.

TSV Hartberg confirmed Coulibaly’s arrival through an official announcement on their website and social media platforms, welcoming the defender to the club ahead of the new season.

The agreement will initially keep Coulibaly at the club until the summer of 2026, with the potential to remain through to 2028 should the optional year be activated.

The signing represents a significant step for both player and club. For Coulibaly, it is an opportunity to test himself in a competitive European league after spending his formative years in Spain.

For Hartberg, the acquisition adds depth and youth to their defensive options as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Austrian Bundesliga campaign.

Born in Ivory Coast, Coulibaly came through the youth system at RCD Mallorca and featured prominently for the club’s B team.

Despite not making a senior appearance for Mallorca’s first team, his performances at the reserve level were enough to attract interest from several European sides following his release.

Hartberg’s sporting leadership has expressed confidence in Coulibaly’s ability to integrate quickly into the squad and contribute to the team’s defensive stability.

The club believes his athleticism, strong positioning, and composure on the ball will suit their style of play.

“Habib is a player with great potential and strong defensive qualities,” read a statement from the club. “We are convinced that he will develop well with us and become an important part of the team.”

The deal provides a platform for Coulibaly to demonstrate his talent on a larger stage. The Austrian Bundesliga, while not among Europe’s top five leagues, has become a reputable competition known for developing young talent and providing a springboard to bigger leagues.

With pre-season preparations already underway, Coulibaly is expected to join his new teammates immediately and begin integrating into the squad ahead of the start of the league campaign.

Hartberg are aiming to improve on their recent performances and see the addition of a dynamic, young central defender as key to strengthening their back line.

For Coulibaly, the move is a chance to reignite his professional journey and prove himself at senior level after a period of uncertainty.

With his future now secured, the Ivorian will be keen to make an impression in Austrian football and help Hartberg compete strongly in the domestic league.

Bienvenue à Hartberg ????????

Innenverteidiger Habib Anas #Coulibaly verstärkt den TSV und unterzeichnet einen Zweijahresvertrag mit Option auf Verlängerung. ✍????

ℹ️ https://t.co/0VFpFD4cGJ#coulibaly #inundaut #forzatsv #nevergiveup pic.twitter.com/1b3bjDXfmF

— TSV Hartberg Fußball (@tsv_hartberg) July 11, 2025