Borussia Dortmund Loan Watch: Soumaïla Coulibaly

Often vilified for a missed clearance that cost Borussia Dortmund crucial points in the Bundesliga title race last season, Soumaïla Coulibaly was bound to be shown the exit door this summer. This was briefly in doubt as a proposed move to newly promoted English Premier League side Burnley collapsed. However, the young centre-back was rescued by Royal Antwerp and joined the Belgian champions on loan until the end of the season.

This loan move has an option to buy for around 12 million euros according to multiple reports. This transfer fee, while good value for an inexperienced player who has no or little chance at a future in Dortmund, is also probably never going to happen.

Antwerp’s current record transfer is six million euros, which means that they would have to double that in order to bring in the young Frenchman permanently. Although a campaign in the UEFA Champions League could help generate the funds needed to sign Coulibaly, provided he manages to make a big impression on the pitch.

If Antwerp decide against signing Coulibaly, Borussia Dortmund would either have to reintegrate him into the squad or sell him elsewhere. So this raises the question of how he is progressing in Belgium.