Record Departure at Werder! Marco Friedl loses defensive partner

What had already been brewing in recent days is now official – defensive talent Karim Coulibaly is leaving SV Werder Bremen and joining French first-division club Racing Strasbourg. The club made it official on Friday.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Strasbourg is paying a transfer fee of 20 million euros to Bremen, who have also secured a sell-on clause.

On the list of Werder's record departures, Coulibaly ranks behind Brazilian maestro Diego (who once moved to Juventus for 27 million euros) and thus becomes the most expensive defensive player in the club's history.

In Strasbourg, the 19-year-old joins Abakar Sylla at the top of the list of most expensive new signings, ex aequo.

"Prime Example of Our Path"

Coulibaly is considered one of the greatest defensive talents of his age group and has already made a considerable impression at Werder despite his young age.

Last Bundesliga season, the 19-year-old featured in more than 20 matches alongside captain Marco Friedl in central defense.

"Karim is a prime example of the path we have taken, to sign young, developable players and create value with them. He exemplary seized his opportunity with us and developed into a regular starter in the Bundesliga," said Werder sporting director Clemens Fritz.

"Even though his departure is difficult for us from a sporting perspective, we are fulfilling our economic responsibility with this lucrative offer. We wish Karim all the best, both professionally and personally, for his future career," he added.