Strasbourg sign Ivorian-born defender Karim Coulibaly from Werder Bremen

Strasbourg have officially completed the signing of 19-year-old defender Karim Coulibaly from Werder Bremen after the young centre-back impressed during his first full season in the Bundesliga.

The Alsatian club have secured Coulibaly on a contract running until June 2031, committing to a long-term project with a player who has already gained considerable experience at senior level despite his age.

Coulibaly, who is of Ivorian origin, became an important part of Werder Bremen’s squad last season. He featured in 27 Bundesliga matches, starting 24 of them, and scored one goal.

His performances quickly drew attention from several prominent European clubs.

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle, Napoli and Juventus were all linked with the defender during the period of interest in his services.

Strasbourg ultimately won the race for his signature and have now officially confirmed his arrival.

The move represents a significant step in Coulibaly’s development after he established himself in the Werder Bremen rotation and gained regular exposure to Bundesliga football.

Despite being only 19, the defender already has experience of playing at one of Europe’s highest levels, making his arrival an important addition to Strasbourg’s plans for the future.

The French club’s decision to commit Coulibaly to a contract lasting until 2031 underlines their long-term belief in his potential.

For Strasbourg, the signing provides an opportunity to develop a young defender who has already demonstrated that he can compete regularly at senior level.

Coulibaly will now continue his career in France after making his breakthrough in Germany.

His next challenge will be adapting to Ligue 1 and continuing the progress he made during his first season with Werder Bremen.

Strasbourg will hope that his Bundesliga experience can help him make a quick transition to French football and establish himself with his new club.

The defender’s performances last season had placed him on the radar of a number of major European teams, but Strasbourg have secured his services and given him a long-term pathway at the club.

If Coulibaly can quickly settle into Ligue 1, his arrival could prove to be an important investment for Strasbourg over the coming years.

For now, his move marks the end of his spell with Werder Bremen and the beginning of a new chapter in France, where Strasbourg will look to help the teenager continue his development.