Issa Doumbia is back in the transfer conversation after a sharp start at Sporting CP. A Bola reports that Juventus and Newcastle still have him on their lists, even after he committed to Sporting on a five-season deal that runs until 2031. The 23-year-old only added to the noise last Tuesday, when he scored the second goal in Sporting’s 2-0 win against Lens.
Why clubs are circling again
The interest has not appeared out of nowhere. Doumbia has a 7.54 Champions League rating overall and an 8.18 rating from his most recent outing in the competition, plus one goal contribution in two Champions League appearances for Sporting. Those numbers do not tell the whole story, but they do explain why the conversation has moved back to him so quickly.
A Bola also says Roma and Brentford have monitored or sounded out the midfielder, while Juventus were already tried for him when he was at Venezia and could not get a deal done because Venezia would not sell to Serie A clubs. That earlier interest matters because it shows the current chase is not a one-off reaction to one good night in Europe.
Sporting's leverage
Sporting are not in a weak position. A Bola says they would only consider letting him leave in January for irresistible figures, and it also reports an €80 million release clause. With a contract that runs to 2031, the club have room to wait while the market keeps testing the price.
The reported €50 million enquiry that was rejected only strengthens that stance. Juventus and Newcastle may still be watching, but Sporting have already shown where the line is, and Doumbia’s latest Champions League displays are making sure that line keeps being tested.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
