Serie B’s Goal-Scoring Midfield Gem Eyes Premier League Move: Should Everton Beat Newcastle To His Signature? | OneFootball

Everton and Newcastle United are the latest Premier League clubs linked with Venezia midfielder Issa Doumbia ahead of the 2026/27 season, per Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness). The 22-year-old was a massive part of Venezia’s promotion-winning season, racking up 10 goals and five assists across 38 appearances.

Everton and Newcastle eye Venezia’s Serie B star as Sporting CP scramble to keep the lead

His stats back up what people see on the pitch as his non-penalty xG (10.54) puts him in the top 85% of Serie B players, and his xA of 0.21 per 90 minutes is better than 84% of the rest of the league. He also completes 89.44% of his passes, averaging nearly 40 per game.

Brentford and Bournemouth were already keen, but Everton and Newcastle’s interest has reportedly bumped Venezia’s asking price from €15m to nearly €20m. Sporting CP are still the frontrunners and have a five-year deal and an €80m release clause ready to go, but Premier League money usually has a way of changing things.

How does Doumbia fit the profile Everton actually need this summer?

LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Issa Doumbia of Venezia during the Serie A match between Lecce and Venezia at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Doumbia is a bit of a rarity. He is a box-to-box midfielder who hits double figures from open play while staying disciplined and accurate on the ball. With 1.56 key passes per game, he’s a creator, not just a runner. That said, it’s worth noting that those numbers came against Serie B defences.

The big question is whether his decision-making will hold up against a Premier League press. For an Everton side rebuilding under David Moyes on a tight budget, finding a midfielder who can chip in with goals is huge. At roughly £17m, Doumbia looks like a smart piece of business.

Should Everton push hard or let Newcastle overpay?

Honestly, Everton should make a move now rather than wait. With Newcastle’s financial backing, a bidding war is only going to hurt the Toffees. At £17m, Doumbia fits both the budget and the system. Letting this turn into a drawn-out auction won’t do anyone at Everton any favours.