Borussia Dortmund sign highly rated centre-back Soumaila Coulibaly from PSG

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of highly rated centre-back Soumaila Coulibaly on a free transfer from Paris St. Germain. The 17 year old has signed a long-term contract with the Black and Yellows, which reportedly runs until 2026 (3+2 year deal). He becomes Borussia Dortmund’s first summer signing, and also the first signing of the Marco Rose era.

Coulibaly is considered to be one of the most promising talents in France and has also represented his country at the U-16s, U-17s and U-18s level. Despite being only 17, the defender has regularly trained with the Paris St. Germain first team this season. With his contract due to expire in the summer, several big clubs were interested in signing him. But he will now move to Dortmund for a small training compensation.

Coulibaly is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury which he suffered in February, and is only expected to return to training in the autumn. The defender said that he had offers from a number of other clubs, but after holding talks with the BVB bosses, he knew that Borussia Dortmund was the right club for him.

"“I’m absolutely delighted at the prospect of playing for such a tradition-steeped club,” Coulibaly said. “I had offers from other clubs, but once I had spoken to the BVB management, I knew straight away that this was the right club for me. I can’t wait to get started at my new club.”"

Ruhr Nachrichten reported last month that the Borussia Dortmund scouts are convinced that Coulibaly has what it takes to make it to the first team in the near future. He will likely be slowly integrated into the first team after he recovers from his injury.

Coulibaly becomes the second Paris St. Germain player to join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in recent years after Dan-Axel Zagadou, who left the French capital for the Bundesliga in 2017.