Ismaila Coulibaly is training with Sheffield United for the first time since move in 2020

Ismaila Coulibaly is training with Sheffield United for the first time over the international break since his arrival from Sarpsborg 08 back in September 2020. Coulibaly is currently in the second of a three-year loan spell at Belgian Jupiler Pro League side Beerschot, where he will then return for the remainder of the season.

Coulibaly and his Beerschot teammates currently sit bottom of the table, 16 points adrift of safety, though this season will have provided the 21-year-old with a number of learning curves despite the disappointment. United boss Paul Heckingbottom was considering the prospect of recalling him from his loan in January in order to gain a closer look at him.

Coulibaly was sent to the Belgian outfit, which is part of the United World Group of clubs owned by Blades owner Prince Abdullah, in order to gain the necessary points required for a work permit. However, a change in requirements as a result of Brexit means he has qualified for one much earlier than first thought.

The former Mali U20s international enjoyed an excellent debut season in Belgium last year with five goals in 22 appearances and had picked up where he left off that the beginning of this campaign. However, he has been reduced to just substitute appearances since his return from a back injury in February, that had kept him out for just over three months.

Despite his drop off in form, though, Heckingbottom has said they will look to bring him back in the summer, as he will lose some of the work permit points he has accumulated if he registers for Beerschot next season in the second division.