Race for Issa Doumbia heats up, Sporting see price soar | OneFootball

Issa Doumbia remains one of Sporting’s main targets to strengthen the midfield, but the deal is threatening to become more complicated due to the growing number of clubs interested in the Italy Under-21 international. After Newcastle and Everton, Juventus and Fiorentina have now also emerged as clubs keeping a close eye on the Venezia midfielder.

Doumbia ended the season in outstanding form in Italian football, helping Venezia win Serie B and secure a return to the top flight. The 22-year-old midfielder made 37 official appearances in the league — plus one more in the Coppa Italia — starting 36 times, while also scoring eight league goals, two in the cup, and providing five assists.

Those numbers further strengthened the Italian international’s status as one of the standout players in the Venezia side and explain the strong interest coming from several leagues. In addition to Sporting and the English clubs, Roma have also been mentioned as being interested in the midfielder, while Benfica have also gathered information on the player.

Even so, Sporting were among the first clubs to make a concrete move. The SAD led by Frederico Varandas offered the player terms for a five-year contract and opened negotiations with Venezia, who initially were looking for a minimum fee of €15 million.

However, the rise in competition has significantly increased the Italian club’s demands. Venezia are now asking for figures close to €20 million and, with new suitors entering the race, are even considering raising the bar above €25 million, a scenario that could force Sporting to reassess the viability of the deal.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.