Sporting advances in decisive negotiations for Doumbia.

Sporting intensifies negotiations to secure Doumbia: rival Benfica and other clubs in fierce race

Sporting Clube de Portugal is not willing to make it easy in the battle for the signing of talented midfielder Issa Doumbia, 22, in a contest that promises to shake up the transfer market. Although Benfica appears as the main direct competitor, the Lisbon club has placed this dossier at the top of its priorities, preparing for a new and decisive round of negotiations with Venezia, the player’s current club.

According to sports media reports, another meeting is scheduled for this week between the directors of Sporting and Venezia, in a clear attempt to finalize the agreement that could secure the player’s signing. Sporting has already formalized its proposal to Doumbia, offering a five-year contract, valid until June 2031, with a monthly salary of 100,000 euros and an astronomical release clause of 80 million euros, a figure that reflects the club’s policy for midfielders and forwards in the first team.

However, the main obstacle for Sporting remains the Italian club, which keeps the bar high: Venezia demands that any deal be closed for a sum exceeding 15 million euros, turning the negotiation into a real war of numbers. Meanwhile, other clubs continue to monitor the situation, particularly Brentford from the English Premier League, which has also expressed interest in the young prospect.

Issa Doumbia, born in Italy but with Ivorian roots, is one of the standout revelations of the season. An under-21 international for Italy, the midfielder has played 37 matches this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. He was the standout figure for Venezia in the historic campaign that culminated in promotion to Serie A, a fact that has further increased his value and the interest he generates among major European clubs.

Sporting knows it is facing a golden opportunity to strengthen its midfield with a rising talent, but it will need to accelerate negotiations and outpace rivals to secure the signing of the young prodigy. The anticipation is immense, and the coming days will be crucial in determining who will emerge victorious in this heated contest for Issa Doumbia’s future.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.