Borussia Dortmund consider recalling Soumaïla Coulibaly for Club World Cup | OneFootball

Ruhr Nachrichten reports that French centre-back Soumaïla Coulibaly may be headed back to Borussia Dortmund ahead of the coming club World Cup. The 21-year-old has spent the last two seasons out on loan at Royal Antwerp and Stade Brest. He’s officially due back at his Bundesliga club at the end of June.

Dortmund, like Bayern, must nevertheless recall some loan players early in order to complete their squad for the June tournament in the USA. The Westphalians considered bringing back German legend Mats Hummels on a short-term deal for a time, but it’s now clear that will not be happening.

BVB shall require some additional assistance in the central defensive corps in any case, particularly in lieu of the fact that Nico Schlotterbeck’s long-term injury will preclude the German international from partaking. RN reports that Coulibaly – returning from an adductor injury himself – will undergo a BVB medical first.

Coulibaly joined Dortmund in 2021, at the time rejecting interest from large clubs such as PSG (his youth academy side), Olympique Marseille, and even Bayern Munich. He’s since had a troubled history with his Bundesliga parent club.

Coulibaly did well enough with the Dortmund reserves, but famously faltered in his lone league appearance with the senior team. Subbed on at the half during a matchday 28 encounter against VfB Stuttgart during the 2022/23 campaign, Coulibaly made several defensive errors.

A whiff against the ball deep into injury time enabled shorthanded Stuttgart to nick a late 3-3 draw off die Schwarzgelben in an unforgettable late comeback. Coulibaly has not appeared for the BVB seniors since that fateful day in April 2023.

Dortmund have long been known to offload Coulibaly, with several loan deals to prominent clubs falling apart due to difficult negotiations over an automatic purchase option. The 21-year-old has managed to pump his estimated market value up to a career high €9m during his recent loan stint.

GGFN | Peter Weis