Ismaila Coulibaly scored the winner on Sunday as Beerschot went top of the Belgian Pro League.
Coulibaly joined Sheffield United from Sarpsborg 08 in Norway in September, before being immediately sent on loan to Belgium for three years.
This is because of work permit issues in the UK. A Mali Under-20 international, he needs to play elsewhere in Europe before he’s able to move to Sheffield.
It’s thought the 19-year-old will spend at least a year with Beerschot, but could be there for the next three.
Which is likely to please the Belgian side – who are co-owned by Blades owner Prince Abdullah.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
That’s because Coulibaly has been in fine form since making the move. The midfielder’s goal in the 3-2 win at Mechelen at the weekend was his fourth in seven appearances in 2020/21.
The result moved the club into first position in the Belgian top flight – despite only heading into the division this term.
The decision to expand the league to 18 teams meant Beerschot were promoted to the Jupiler Pro League. And they have clearly taken well to life at the top.
Ismaila Coulibaly – A possible future star for Sheffield United
Even if he may not play for them until 2023, seeing Coulibaly impressing during his loan spell is sure to please United.
The teenager actually had other options in the summer, but decided that the Blades were the best club for him.
“Club Brugge talked to my agent. A lot of people thought that I would go there,” Coulibaly told Gazet van Antwerpen, as quoted by Sport Witness. “But in the end, this project was better.
“I have more chance of playing time at Beerschot and the Belgian league is still one level higher than the Norwegian one. But at the same time I am already certain that I will play for a Premier League club in three years.
“This is a childhood dream come true. Nice to have in the back of my mind.”
