Esperance de Tunis are reportedly ready to rival Orlando Pirates for the services of a young Malian attacker.
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Following their FIFA Club World Cup group-stage elimination, the Tunisian giants are looking to reinforce their squad. Esperance narrowly missed out on qualification for the knockout stages, but they now appear focused on elevating their squad through strategic recruitment — with Malian teenage sensation Adama Coulibaly reportedly on their radar.
The 19-year-old forward was a standout performer for Florent Ibenge’s Al Hilal Omdurman side during the CAF Champions League group stage, notably scoring a late dagger in their away clash against Young Africans.
According to AfricaFoot, Esperance are now targeting the West African star but face stiff competition from the Buccaneers and Portuguese giants Benfica. However, Maher Kanzari's side may currently hold the upper hand, having already submitted an offer believed to be in the region of €650,000 (R13 million).
It remains to be seen whether the Sudanese outfit consider this a satisfactory figure for Coulibaly or whether they will hold out for a higher fee. Al Hilal will likely be hoping to resolve the matter sooner rather than later, as a potential bidding war involving the aforementioned clubs could complicate their plans.
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The Sea Robbers have already added several attacking talents during this transfer window, with Oswin Appollis being the latest, but a move for Coulibaly could still be on the cards.
