Italian midfielder of Ivorian descent Issa Doumbia is attracting attention from Serie A giants Juventus and AS Roma after reportedly impressing scouts during Italy’s meeting with Turkey.
The 22-year-old Sporting CP midfielder is understood to have caught the eye with his performance at the Renato Dall’Ara stadium, potentially increasing interest from two of Italy’s biggest clubs.
Journalist Ekrem Konur reports that both Juventus and Roma are monitoring Doumbia after being impressed by his international display.
For Doumbia, whose family roots are in Ivory Coast, the reported interest represents another significant step in the development of a player whose future could become a major talking point in the transfer market.
Juventus, in particular, are said to be considering Doumbia as part of their plans to reshape their squad with a greater focus on Italian talent.
The Turin club’s interest is not entirely new. Juventus reportedly attempted to sign Doumbia during his time at Venezia, meaning the midfielder has already been on the club’s radar before his move to Portugal.
His current situation at Sporting CP, however, makes any potential transfer complicated.
Doumbia is contracted to the Lisbon club until 30 June 2031 and has an €80m release clause in his deal.
That figure gives Sporting CP considerable protection against losing the young midfielder and underlines the Portuguese club’s belief in his potential.
Sporting are understood to have no intention of making it easy for interested clubs to take Doumbia away, with the club keen to continue developing him in Lisbon.
Juventus and Roma are therefore expected to continue watching his progress rather than immediately making a formal move.
The difference between Doumbia’s release clause and his current market valuation is also significant.
Transfermarkt currently values the 22-year-old at €20m, although his performances for Sporting and Italy could lead to his valuation increasing if interest from major European clubs continues.
Doumbia’s next opportunity to attract further attention will come when Sporting CP face Braga in the Portuguese league.
The match will be the eighth league fixture involving Sporting, providing another chance for the midfielder to demonstrate his qualities in front of clubs already keeping a close eye on him.
For Juventus, Doumbia’s potential appeal also appears to go beyond his current performances.
The midfielder’s idol is former Manchester United and France star Paul Pogba, another player renowned for his technical ability and physical presence in midfield.
With Juventus looking to refresh their squad, Doumbia could become one of the players considered as part of that process.
For now, however, Sporting CP remain in a strong negotiating position.
The player’s long-term contract means the Portuguese side do not need to rush into discussions, while the €80m release clause provides a clear financial barrier for clubs hoping to secure his services.
