Barcelona will compete with Real Madrid and Arsenal in the race to secure the services of 18-year-old African wonderkid Baye Coulibaly from NK Kustosija.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Baye Coulibaly is the subject of interest from Barcelona. However, the Blaugrana will face stiff competition from other European bigwigs for the 18-year-old NK Kustosija wonderkid, with Arsenal and Real Madrid also keen on signing him.
Who is Baye Coulibaly?
Baye Coulibaly is the latest highly-rated African prospect to rise in prominence after joining a European club. A native of Bamako, he spent most of his formative years in Mali and graduated from the youth division at Etoiles Mande. However, he emerged on the radar of European bigwigs since moving to Europe by joining NK Kustosija.
The 18-year-old has yet to become the undisputed first-choice centre-back for NK Kustosija, turning out only once thus far for the Croatian outfit. However, Coulibaly’s progress and potential have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal.
High in demand
Barcelona and Real Madrid regularly lock horns in the market for highly-rated prospects, with recent reports linking the two La Liga heavyweights with prodigies like JP Chermont, Vitor Reis, and Franco Mastantuono, among others. Coulibaly has emerged as the latest target for Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Baye Coulibaly will not be the first African wonderkid to join Barcelona from NK Kustosija after Mikayil Faye’s short stint with the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, the teenage sensation has the qualities to become the long-sought, long-term successor to Sergio Busquets. As for Real Madrid, the youngster could compete with Aurelien Tchouameni for the holding midfield berth.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in Coulibaly is understandable. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho facing an uncertain future at the Emirates, the Gunners need a long-term defensive midfield solution. So, the Malian whizkid has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal.
With Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal vying for Baye Coulibaly’s signature, he might not be at NK Kustosija for much longer. It will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old lands in the coming months.
