Sporting CP lead race for Issa Doumbia despite Bournemouth interest hero image

Sporting CP lead race for Issa Doumbia despite Bournemouth interest

The Portuguese club appears to be the frontrunner in the transfer for the Venezia midfielder.

Published: 16 May 2026 12:57 GMT • 1h ago

According to some rumors, AFC Bournemouth is reportedly interested in Issa Doumbia, but Sporting CP appears to be the frontrunner to sign him. A meeting between Sporting and Venezia officials is scheduled for Monday in Milan to finalize the transfer. Venezia is asking for €25 million, including bonuses, while Sporting CP is preparing an offer between €18 and €20 million. Despite the difference, negotiations are advancing quickly, as the Italian-Ivorian player has fully agreed to join the Portuguese club on a proposed contract until 2031.

The media outlet A Bola has mentioned that other English clubs, including Everton, Newcastle, and Brentford, are also monitoring the 22-year-old midfielder. Doumbia, who has been capped three times for Italy's U21 team, joined Venezia from AlbinoLeffe in July 2024 for a reported €1.0 million. His contract with the Italian club runs until June 2029, and his current market value on Transfermarkt is €8.00m.