Brentford now know this is becoming a very real race for Issa Doumbia. And Sporting are not really hiding their intentions anymore.
The Venezia midfielder has had a huge season in Italy. The 22-year-old has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances. He has helped Venezia secure promotion back to Serie A. So it’s just natural that he has turned himself into one of the most talked-about midfielders in the country.
That rise has brought attention from several clubs across Europe. However, Brentford continue to be named as one of the English sides seriously interested in the situation.
The problem for them is that Sporting are moving fast.
Sporting pushing hard for Doumbia
According to A Bola, the Portuguese side have already gone beyond simple interest and placed a concrete contract proposal in front of the player.
Now the financial details have emerged too. The newspaper reports Sporting are offering Doumbia a five-year contract until 2031 worth €100,000 (£85,600) per month after tax.
Over the full length of the deal, that would take the package beyond €6m (£5.1m). An €80m (£68.5m) release clause is also expected to be included.
Sporting have been planning changes in midfield for a while. Morten Hjulmand is expected to leave, while Hidemasa Morita is approaching the end of his contract and has already made clear he wants to try Premier League football.
Doumbia has been identified internally as one of the main replacements.
A Bola say Sporting are also ahead of Benfica at this stage because they are already speaking directly with the player, while Benfica are still mainly dealing with Venezia.
That means Brentford have to deal with the pressure if they genuinely want to enter the race properly rather than simply monitor the situation from distance.
Brentford still there – but Venezia want more
Brentford continue to be mentioned as concrete competition for the Portuguese clubs, and the interest fits their usual transfer strategy. But the report makes clear Venezia are in no rush to sell cheaply.
While everybody around the deal seems to accept the transfer will cost more than €15m (£12.8m), Venezia themselves reportedly see that figure as too low.
Still, A Bola also suggest the final price may not rise dramatically beyond that point, which could keep the deal realistic for Brentford if they decide to move aggressively. That balance is probably why the situation remains open.
But the longer Brentford wait, the more difficult this could become. Sporting already have a contract proposal on the table, direct conversations with the player and a clear plan for their midfield rebuild.
And Venezia know they are in a strong negotiating position after promotion.
