'Go where I can trust people again' – On loan Sheffield United man details switch

Earlier this month, Sheffield United announced that Ismaila Coulibaly would be loaned to AIK Fotboll for the remainder of the season. The 23-year-old marked his debut for the Swedish club by coming off the bench in their 1-0 victory over Gefle IF over the weekend.

Following the match, the Sheffield United player, on loan, expressed his delight, stating to Fotbollskanalen that he is “very happy” to be at AIK. Additionally, he shared that his new teammates have facilitated a smooth integration for him at the club.

The Mali international, who arrived at Sheffield United from Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08 FF in 2020, was promptly loaned to Beerschot on a three-year agreement. However, his stint in Belgium was curtailed in 2022, and he has since remained with the Blades.

Since the commencement of last season, Coulibaly has featured in just seven matches, with only one appearance during this season, which occurred in the EFL Cup.

Having previously collaborated with AIK sporting director Thomas Berntsen at Sarpsborg, Coulibaly’s decision to opt for the Swedish club over other possibilities was significantly influenced by their prior working relationship.

He stated to Fotbollskanalen: “That choice was about trust. I had several options but Berntsen took me when I was ten years old and I already knew what he can do for me and I really trust him after being injured several times.

“I thought the best option for me is to go where I can trust people again and AIK became the choice for me.”