Malian teenage sensation Baye Coulibaly has completed a permanent transfer to MLS side Charlotte FC for a reported €2 million fee, plus additional bonuses and a 20% sell-on clause, from Croatian third-division side NK Kustosija. The 18-year-old defensive midfielder has been a revelation since starring for Mali at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, where he helped his team secure a third-place finish. His enormous talent has attracted the attention of numerous top European clubs. A defensive midfielder by trade, he is capable of deputising at the heart of the defense.
While Spanish club Atletico Madrid was in direct negotiations with NK Kustosija for his signature, Charlotte FC ultimately won the race to sign the highly coveted teenager ahead of other top European clubs.
Globally acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move on X:
“MLS side Charlotte FC have signed all documents for 2006-born midfielder Baye Coulibaly to join from NK Kustosija. Exclusive story confirmed as paperwork is now completed, and a medical is being planned, with Charlotte FC beating European clubs to the deal.”
Despite spending less than a year on the books NK Kustosija, Coulibaly has shown immense promise, catching the attention of top European clubs and earning a significant move to the MLS. The young talent is undoubtedly one to watch in the future.
