Strasbourg have completed the permanent signing of French defender Soumaïla Coulibaly from Borussia Dortmund, securing the 21-year-old on a five-year deal running until 2029.
The promising centre-back makes his return to Ligue 1 after a brief but notable loan stint at Brest last season.
Despite making just seven league appearances, Coulibaly’s performances impressed Strasbourg’s scouting department, prompting the Alsace-based club to invest decisively in his long-term future.
The transfer fee is reported to be around €8.5 million, including performance-related bonuses—a significant outlay that underlines the club’s confidence in Coulibaly’s potential to develop into a key figure in their defensive setup.
Trained in the youth ranks of Paris Saint-Germain, Coulibaly made the switch to Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
While he struggled for first-team opportunities in the Bundesliga, his time in Germany allowed him to hone his tactical understanding and adapt to a higher level of competition.
Strasbourg, now under the broader sporting umbrella of BlueCo—the consortium that also owns Chelsea—have been focused on acquiring young talent with high resale value and long-term development prospects.
Coulibaly fits that profile perfectly: left-footed, composed on the ball, and versatile enough to operate in both a back three or four.
The club’s sporting director welcomed the acquisition, stating, Soumaïla is a player we’ve followed closely. His profile matches our vision for the future—a modern defender with both physical presence and technical ability. We’re excited to help him grow here.
Coulibaly also expressed enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career.
Les premières images de Soumaïla Coulibaly sous ses nouvelles couleurs 🔵⚪️#MercatoRCSA pic.twitter.com/45PUiiAEe7
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace (@RCSA) July 7, 2025
I’m proud to join Strasbourg and take this next step. It’s a club with ambition and a great environment for young players. I want to repay the trust they’ve placed in me, he said upon signing.
With the new Ligue 1 season approaching, Coulibaly will be expected to challenge for a regular starting place as Strasbourg aim to climb higher in the table.
His arrival adds depth and youth to the backline, and the club will be hopeful that the former France youth international can realise his considerable promise in the seasons to come.
