Agent's revelation: Sporting saw off giants for Issa Doumbia | OneFootball

Issa Doumbia had several suitors before signing for Sporting, but he never had any doubts about the path he wanted to follow. The assurance came from Cheikh Sadibou Fall, the Italian midfielder’s agent, who revealed details behind the negotiations and praised the way the Lions handled the entire process.

"We were looking for a team where he could continue his growth process after Albinoleffe and Venezia. After last season in Serie B, several important teams emerged, but Sporting moved first and better than the others. They had been after him for a long time, approaching him as early as January", the agent explained.

According to the player’s representative, there was indeed interest from another major Portuguese club, as well as several sides from Europe’s top leagues. "There was another major Portuguese team, two Premier League teams and a top team in Spain", he revealed, without identifying the clubs. Regarding Italy, he admitted there had been contact from Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Fiorentina and Roma, but assured that no one showed as much determination as Sporting.

Cheikh Sadibou Fall also highlighted the scouting work carried out by Sporting’s officials, recalling previous successful signings. "It is a club that is very attentive in the market. Players like Gyokeres and Luis Suárez were picked up from second-division clubs, and look at the careers they have gone on to have. Sporting virtually completed the deal before the transfer window even opened. That shows how much they wanted him and the quality of the scouting department", he said.

The agent also said he was very confident about Issa Doumbia’s future at Alvalade and revealed the 21-year-old midfielder’s great ambition. "It will go well in Portugal, I’m sure. He is a boy with a strong work ethic, very serious and dedicated. ", he assured.

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