Leicester City appear to be closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window with the expected arrival of Parma right-back Woyo Coulibaly.
Despite manager Ruud van Nistelrooy acknowledging the need for reinforcements to aid their Premier League survival battle, the Foxes have yet to bring in any new faces this winter. However, reports from Italy now suggest the signing of Coulibaly is imminent.
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that the deal is effectively complete, writing on his website:
“The move for Woyo Coulibaly to Leicester is done. The Parma right-back, with a contract expiring in June 2025, is saying goodbye to the Emilian club after almost four years in which he participated in the return to Serie A. The deal that will see him wear the Foxes shirt is in the details.”
While there is no mention of the transfer fee, it’s believed Leicester have moved ahead of Fiorentina, who had been exploring a move for Coulibaly as a potential replacement for Michael Kayode.
Coulibaly, 25, joined Parma in 2021 after developing through the renowned academy at Le Havre in France. Since then, he has made 88 appearances for the Italian club, primarily as their first-choice right-back, though he is also capable of playing on the left.
His addition to Leicester’s squad comes at a crucial time, given the defensive challenges the team has faced this season.
James Justin has struggled with form, contributing to several defensive lapses, while Ricardo Pereira remains sidelined with an injury and isn’t expected to return until March.
This has left van Nistelrooy relying heavily on Justin or improvising with midfielder Hamza Choudhury in the position.
Coulibaly’s arrival could provide much-needed stability to Leicester’s defense as they fight to climb out of the relegation zone.
