Update emerges on Sheffield United player’s status following transfer decision

Sheffield United midfielder Ismaila Coulibaly will not lose work permit points for remaining at Belgian top-tier side Beerschot for the remainder of the season, according to Yorkshire Live reporter Nathan Hemmingham.

The 21-year-old first arrived at Bramall Lane back in September 2020. The midfielder was immediately sending him on loan to Belgium for three seasons, with then-manager Chris Wilder already having the likes of Sander Berge, John Lundstram, John Fleck and Oliver Norwood at his disposal.

Despite recording a reasonably impressive five goals in 22 league appearances last term, he still looked to be surplus to requirements if he had been recalled with Lundstram leaving the club on the expiration of his contract but Conor Hourihane and Adlene Guedioura arriving in his place.

Although Algerian Guedioura has since left the club, the emergence of Iliman Ndiaye as an option in the advanced midfield area alongside Morgan Gibbs-White may have persuaded current boss Paul Heckingbottom to opt against bringing him back to South Yorkshire.

The possibility of recalling him was discussed by the 44-year-old last month – but he now looks set to stay put for the remainder of the season before finally being summoned by the Blades’ manager in the summer.

There were concerns about whether Coulibaly would be eligible to play for United in the future considering work permit rules – but Yorkshire Live journalist Hemmingham has revealed he’s in line to play a part for the Championship club next season on one condition.

He said: “No, I don’t believe that’s the case (regarding Coulibaly losing work permit points if he’s relegated with Beerschot at the end of the season).

“As I understand it, he has already qualified for his visa, but