Highly rated teenager Baye Coulibaly impressed at the Under-17 World Cup
Charlotte FC have convinced the youngster a move will aid his development
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By SIMON JONES
Published: 18:59 EST, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 19:00 EST, 3 December 2024
Charlotte FC are closing on a $1.9million (£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 USA in an up and coming league with more regular game time would be of greater benefit to the development of his fledgling career.
Croatian side Kustosija have forged a reputation for finding and improving young talents before selling 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 eye of Charlotte's scouting network.
Negotiations are ongoing but Charlotte are understood to be preparing a four year contract while Kustosija would receive a 20percent sell on clause too.
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 are set to sign Baye Coulibaly after fending off interest from Atletico Madrid