Werder Bremen's sporting director, Peter Niemeyer, has commented on the interest in 18-year-old defender Karim Coulibaly, who is of interest to Olympique de Marseille. In an interview with Kicker, Niemeyer stated that they are aware steps are being taken regarding the matter, but that nothing currently indicates what the next steps will be or if a transfer will happen this summer. He added that it is evident a player with Coulibaly's profile generates significant interest. The German club would be open to his departure for a price between 40 and 50 million euros. Coulibaly's annual salary is 380,000 euros.

Team Talk reported that Marseille are interested in Karim Coulibaly. Werder Bremen are demanding between £30 million and £50 million for the player. No formal bids have been submitted yet, but initial discussions with Coulibaly’s representatives have taken place. Werder Bremen are in a strong negotiating position as the player is contracted until 2029 and has no release clause.

Olympique Marseille is interested in Karim Coulibaly, an 18-year-old Werder Bremen defender and German U-21 international. The Ligue 1 club faces competition from other teams such as Paris St. Germain, SSC Napoli, and two Premier League clubs, Newcastle United and Chelsea. These latter two English clubs have already held serious talks with the player. Werder Bremen is asking for €45 million for Coulibaly, but a concrete offer has not yet been submitted. The player, who also holds Ivorian nationality, has a contract until June 30, 2029, and a market valuation of €22 million, according to Transfermarkt. In the current 2025/2026 Bundesliga season, he has played in 22 matches and scored 1 goal. During the 2026 winter transfer window, the club reportedly rejected multiple offers, including one for €20 million and another described as 'significantly higher' than €20 million.