Benfica hesitation lets Sporting seal Issa Doumbia after standout pre-season | OneFootball

Sporting pounced to secure Issa Doumbia after Benfica hesitated amid midfield congestion and other priorities. A Bola reports Benfica tracked the 22-year-old Italy under-21 midfielder at Venezia and gathered positive reports, but Rui Costa did not move immediately.

Sporting had flagged Doumbia as a leading midfield target as early as April. A scouting report led by Flávio Costa highlighted his ball-winning high up the pitch, speed in transition and a different physical profile.

With Frederico Varandas heading the club’s hierarchy, Sporting accelerated talks while Benfica delayed, avoiding any auction with other interested sides.

Doumbia has been one of pre-season’s standout performers for Sporting, scoring two and supplying one assist. He quickly convinced Rui Borges and won over supporters.

He has also been used on the left at times, giving Rui Borges another tactical option. For now, he appears to be emerging as one of the new Sporting’s key figures, with swift action proving decisive against Benfica’s hesitation.

Source: Glorioso 1904