Real Madrid are ready to challenge teams like Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign Karim Coulibaly, with Werder Bremen asking for a record fee.
According to Sky Sports Deutschland, Real Madrid are in the mix for Karim Coulibaly as they seek a promising young defender with a specific profile. A left-footed centre-back is on the list of many top teams, with Chelsea and Manchester United monitoring the progress made by the Werder Bremen wonderkid, who could leave for a record fee.
Karim Coulibaly has had a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, with the German Under-21 defender making 22 appearances in the league for Werder Bremen. His left-footed profile has attracted many of the top teams in the market, which includes some of the best ones in the Premier League, and now Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are in the market for a left-footed defender and could look at various options in the market. Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck has been a target, while there are links to Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, among others.
Now, they are linked with a move for Werder Bremen’s 18-year-old Bundesliga centre-back Karim Coulibaly. The teenage sensation could fit into Florentino Perez’s thinking of bringing in a young defender alongside someone more experienced to develop his talents and build for the present as well as the future.
Coulibaly has already shown plenty of promise at the top level despite his tender age, and the interest from Real Madrid is a testament to that claim. Werder Bremen are protected by a long-term contract until 2029, which has led to a €40-50 million demand.
Should Bremen receive a fee in that region, it would be a record sale for the club since they allowed Brazilian midfielder Diego to join Juventus. Real Madrid are not alone in the race, as there is considerable interest from Premier League teams.
Where next for Karim Coulibaly?
Coulibaly would be appealed by the idea of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he could prioritise playing regularly at this stage of his career. That part alone would be enough to convince the 18-year-old to consider the idea of joining Chelsea, who remain interested in landing the teenage defender.
Manchester United are linked with Coulibaly, with the club also looking out for a left-footed central defensive profile in the market. The Red Devils would need defensive depth, but they already have the emerging Ayden Heaven, which makes the need for someone like Coulibaly less necessary at this stage despite the links.