French-Malian defender Soumaila Coulibaly leaves Strasbourg after playing just three minutes this season

France-born defender of Malian descent, Soumaila Coulibaly, has signed for Stade Brestois on loan from Racing Strasbourg.

Coulibaly, who joined Strasbourg permanently from Borussia Dortmund in July 2025 for €7.5 million, has found playing time hard to come by. Just three months after the transfer, the 21-year-old has now been sent out on loan in search of regular minutes.

According to Bild, the move was made possible through a “wildcard transfer”, a special rule in French football that allows each club to register one player outside the transfer window, provided both teams are based in France.

Explaining the decision, Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior said he believes the move is good for the player.

“I think it’s good for him. We have a lot of competition in defense, and it was difficult for him to play here. I don’t like keeping someone who tells himself he has to go elsewhere to get playing time. He’s a good player, and I wish him all the best for the rest of the season,” the coach said.

Coulibaly will now look to revive his season with Brest and gain valuable experience in Ligue 1.