Several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United, were interested in signing 22-year-old French defender Ismael Doukoure over the summer. He also attracted attention from other clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, but Strasbourg rebuffed all approaches. Instead, Doukoure signed a new long-term contract with the French club in August, which reportedly included a significant pay rise and a pathway for him to eventually join sister club Chelsea in 2026. According to Transfermarkt, the player has a current market value of €18 million.