Tottenham Sign Ivory Coast U17 Striker Souleymane Coulibaly

Tottenham have signed Ivory Coast U-17 Striker, Souleymane Coulibaly. 

Tottenham said in a statement on their website: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Souleymane Coulibaly to join the club."

Tottenham announced the 16-year-old striker has moved to White Hart Lane, having previously played for Italian club AC Siena's youth team.

According to Italian reports, there was no professional contract between the kid and AC Sienna, but was training in their youth team.  

Coulibaly was a big success at the Under-17 World Cup where he scored nine goals in four games. He scored two Hatricks—one against Brazil and scored four goals against Denmark. 

Following his huge success, he was chased by several top clubs. Reports indicate Real Madrid and Man United were also in the race along with Serie A top clubs.

But Daniel Levy was first to make the move. Levy traveled to Italy last week and met Coulibaly's father and agreed a £2 million deal. It seems that promise of first team action has tilted the signings towards Spurs.

The Coulibaly family fled to Italy two years ago to avoid unrest in their homeland. Souleymane is not old enough to be granted a work permit in England and he can only arrive in the country with his family.

The teenager had to wait for his father to be granted an Italian passport before moving to London. It seems the stumbling block is now removed and he has signed a deal with Spurs.

From U17 world cup videos, he is strong, beat the defenders with pace and skill. He has the flair too with a eye for the goal. Some of his goals were true quality with some sublime finishes from awkward angles.

If Lukaku is £22 million, £2 million for this kid seems a bargain. We will see him representing in the NextGen youth series dubbed as U19 Champions League. I would not be surprised if he is part of the first team in Europa league as well.

All in all, looks a great signing, hopefully he gets settles fast and keep improving.