Paris Saint-Germain will reportedly compete with Newcastle United in the race to sign 18-year-old German youth international Karim Coulibaly from Werder Bremen.
According to a report by Sport BILD, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in 18-year-old Werder Bremen wonderkid Karim Coulibaly. The two clubs are keen on reinforcing their defensive units by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window.
A summer departure from Werder Bremen is on the cards for the teenage sensation due to the Bundesliga club’s “financial pressures” that have forced them to see the youngster as “their golden ticket” to stabilise the situation. So, Coulibaly may be available for as little as €22 million in the coming months.
Who is Karim Coulibaly?
Karim Coulibaly has established himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in the Bundesliga since breaking into the first-team squad at Werder Bremen. Born in Oldenburg, the teenage sensation has spent his formative years thus far in Germany, passing through the academies at Bramfelder SV, HSV Barmbek-Uhlenhorst, and Hamburger SV before graduating from the youth division at Werder Bremen.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed his breakthrough at Werder Bremen this season, making 22 Bundesliga appearances thus far and amassing over 1,500 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, Coulibaly’s progress has stimulated the interest of several high-profile clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
High in demand
PSG’s interest in Karim Coulibaly makes sense. The Ligue 1 champions are scouring the market for a centre-back, as Marquinhos is on the wrong side of 30 and has shown signs of regression in the last 12 months. Additionally, Lucas Beraldo faces an uncertain future at Parc des Princes. So, PSG must dip into the market for a centre-back this summer.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are looking for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of their careers. Additionally, Sven Botman has struggled with fitness issues in the last 18 months. So, Newcastle United must sign a centre-back in the coming months, with Coulibaly emerging as a viable target.
Meanwhile, PSG and Newcastle United may not be alone in the battle for Coulibaly’s signature, as recent reports have linked him with several European heavyweights. With Werder Bremen’s asking price of €22 million making the 18-year-old German youth international an appealing target, the race to sign him will be intense.