Newcastle United and Brentford have maintained their interest in Issa Doumbia, after missing out on signing him in the summer window.
The 22-year-old’s displays for Venezia caught the attention of a few clubs, including Newcastle United and Brentford.
He joined the Italian club in 2024, when they were in Serie A, and made 25 appearances in his debut season.
Venezia dropped out of the top flight, and the midfielder had a key role last season. He managed 10 goals and six assists and helped the club return to Serie A. This clearly didn’t go unnoticed in England and across Europe.
Newcastle United still keen
In May, Sport Witness covered a report from Portugal explaining the Magpies and Everton had joined Sporting in the transfer race. The English clubs missed out, and the Lions signed him in July for €20m plus €6m bonuses.
He’s played 10 matches so far, managing a goal and an assist. The midfielder also made his Champions League debut and made two appearances.
Issa Doumbia continues to attract interest from his old suitors like Newcastle United, Brentford, Juventus and AS Roma, and A Bola covers the latest.
Newcastle United, the Turin club and Roma were all keen prior to his move to Portugal. Roma made an attempt when Sporting were on the verge of concluding the operation.
Conditions for January sale
Brentford also missed out on signing Issa Doumbia in the summer, after making an initial approach. Sporting are fighting for the title and are in the Champions League, and these factors were crucial to convince him.
The move has worked out for the midfielder. His performances have sparked interest from Matthias Jaissle’s side, Brentford and the Serie A duo, who continue to have him on their radar.
A Bola states: ‘Juventus and Newcastle are clubs capable of making very bold offers, and even Roma and Brentford have signed players for over €40m more than once.’
His contract lasts until 2031, and Transfermarkt value him at €20m.
That contract includes an €80m release clause. Sporting will only sell him in January if there’s an ‘irresistible offer’, without a mention of their request.
Although Newcastle United are keen and capable of tabling a convincing bid, there’s no clarity whether they intend to take this further, at least during the next window. The Bees remain in the background to sign Doumbia.
