Charlotte FC is set to sign 2006 born Mali talent, Baye Coulibaly, from NK Kustosija. The deal is expected to incur a 2 million pound fee, plus a 20% sell-on clause. For those new to transfer negotiations, a 20% sell-on clause implies that NK Kustosija will receive 20% of the future transfer fee if Charlotte FC decides to sell Coulibaly. According to Tom Bogert, Baye Coulibaly is expected to start with Crown Legacy and will join the first team at a later date.
Coulibaly was a key player for Mali at the U-17 World Cup last year, leading them to a third-place finish in the tournament. Mali knocked out Morocco and Mexico before beating Argentina in the third-place game. Coulibaly’s performance during the tournament clearly caught the eye of Charlotte FC, who moved swiftly to secure his services. Baye comes to Charlotte FC from Croatian second-tier side, NK Kustosija, who recently signed him to a contract after an incredible run in the U-17 World Cup. The Croatian side recently sold budding star defender, Mika Faye, to Barcelona just one year ago.
However, Charlotte’s efforts to sign Baye have not been without competition. In October, it was reported that Arsenal were the frontrunners to sign the budding 18-year-old, facing fierce competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
Charlotte FC has completed all the necessary paperwork for the deal and is now waiting for the medical to be completed as the Crown races to beat many other clubs to the signature of Baye Coulibaly.
Coulibaly is a very promising player who can play a multitude of positions such as center defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and center back. He will bring many great skills to the Crown, but most important is his passing ability, ball-handling skills, and overall intelligence of the game. His intelligence allows him to control the field even at such a young age. This skill set makes Coulibaly a Swiss-Army-Knife who, under Dean Smith, has all of the necessary tools to make a massive impact for the Crown.
It will be important to remember that Baye Coulibaly is a young player and will most likely take a while to adapt to life in the MLS. However, I look forward to watching his journey as I believe he has the potential to be the league's next superstar and help the Crown to become an MLS powerhouse.
Crazy that this guy is going to get paid millions at 18 and I still have to take finals
Go Crowns!
So glad CLT is getting good players!!