Charlotte FC close to sealing deal for teenage wonderkid tracked by Atletico Madrid and Arsenal
- Highly rated teenager Baye Coulibaly impressed at the Under-17 World Cup
- Charlotte FC has convinced the youngster that a move will further his development
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Charlotte FC have completed a $1.9m (£1.5m) deal for highly-rated teenager Baye Coulibaly from NK Kustosija after fending off competition from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
The MLS side have convinced the Mali U20 international that a move to the US in an emerging league with more regular playing time would be of greater benefit to the development of his young career.
Croatia’s Kustosija has built a reputation for finding and improving young talent before selling them on for a profit.
Coulibaly had attracted interest from Arsenal, Getafe, Girona and Red Bull Salzburg after impressing in youth tournaments for his country and those performances also caught the attention of Charlotte’s scouting network.
Negotiations are ongoing, but Charlotte is believed to be preparing a four-year contract, while Kustosija would also receive a 20 percent sell-on clause.
The deal for the 18-year-old represents a coup for Charlotte, who are coached by former Aston Villa and Norwich manager Dean Smith.
Charlotte FC set to sign Baye Coulibaly after fending off interest from Atletico Madrid
