Right-back Woyo Koulibaly could make a surprise return to England, with reports claiming Sassuolo and Leicester City are in talks to end his season-long loan deal early.
According to a report from Tutto Mercato Web, the 26-year-old defender has struggled to find consistent playing time at the Mapei Stadium since arriving in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Despite choosing the Neroverdi over competing offers from Watford and Paris FC, Koulibaly found himself on the fringes of the team.
The report indicates that all parties are currently considering a “premature resolution” to the contract.
However, such a move would require explicit approval from parent club Leicester City.
The situation is complicated by reports that the Mali international is reportedly not part of Foxes manager Marti Sifuentes’ plans for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
So if the loan is terminated, Leicester will need to secure another suitor immediately to avoid Koulibaly spending the next six months in the reserves.
Woyo Koulibaly has struggled since joining Leicester City.
Koulibaly emerged as a promising defensive talent at Le Havre’s prestigious academy.
Known for his versatility, being able to play at right-back, left-back and even in midfield, Koulibaly has earned a reputation as a modern-day reverse full-back.
His career gained great momentum during his success with Parma, making over 80 appearances for Parma and helping the team stabilize in the upper echelons of Italian football.
His good form led him to move to Leicester City in January 2025 for £3 million. Initially brought on as cover for an injured starting pitcher, he struggled to adapt to the pace of the English game.
The Malian international, who came under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League and was unable to replace established options such as James Justin and Ricardo Pereira.
Despite the initial excitement over his arrival, he was mostly confined to the bench, making just one start during his six-month spell with the Foxes.
This lack of confidence and playing time ultimately made his summer loan to Sassuolo necessary to revitalize his stagnant career.
That spell also failed to ignite his career, so now uncertainty surrounds his next step. Whether Leicester keep him, pursue a new loan or seek a permanent solution will become clearer once his current contract officially ends.
