Leicester player poised for contract termination
Right-back Woyo Coulibaly could be on the verge of an unexpected return to England, as reports indicate discussions between Sassuolo and Leicester City regarding the premature end of his season-long loan deal. A report from Tutto Mercato Web suggests that the 26-year-old defender has found it challenging to secure consistent playing time at the Mapei Stadium since moving there at the last minute during the summer transfer window. Although he opted for the Neroverdi over competing bids from Watford and Paris FC, Coulibaly has found himself sidelined within the squad. The report mentions that all involved parties are now assessing a “premature resolution” to the agreement. However, any such change would necessitate the explicit approval of his parent club, Leicester City. This situation is further complicated by the fact that the Malian international is reportedly not part of Foxes manager Martí Cifuentes’s plans for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. As a result, if the loan is terminated, Leicester would likely need to promptly find another club willing to take him to prevent Coulibaly from spending the next half-year in reserves. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) Woyo Coulibaly has faced difficulties since his transfer to Leicester City. Coulibaly emerged as a promising defensive prospect from the esteemed Le Havre academy. Recognized for his adaptability, capable of playing as a right-back, left-back, or even in midfield, Coulibaly established a name for himself as a contemporary inverted wing-back. His career picked up significantly during his time at Parma, where he made more than 80 appearances and played a key role in helping the team secure its place among the top levels of Italian football. His impressive performances earned him a £3 million transfer to Leicester City in January 2025. Initially brought in to provide depth due to injuries, he found it hard to acclimate to the demands of the English game. Arriving under the coaching of Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Malian international struggled with the speed and intensity of the Premier League, unable to unseat established players like James Justin or Ricardo Pereira. Despite the initial optimism regarding his signing, he largely remained on the bench, managing only one start during his six-month tenure with the Foxes. This lack of confidence and game time ultimately rendered his summer loan to Sassuolo essential for rejuvenating his stagnant career. With that loan period also failing to spark his career, his next move remains uncertain. Whether Leicester decides to keep him, seek another loan option, or pursue a permanent deal will become apparent if the current contract is officially terminated.
Published: 2026-01-04 21:14:00
source: www.caughtoffside.com
