Tuttomercatoweb reported that an attempt by Udinese to sign Issa Doumbia and loan him back to Venezia did not progress. Udinese were competing with Celtic and Southampton for Doumbia.

In January, Udinese was mentioned among the Serie A teams showing interest in Issa Doumbia. The player's agent, Cheikh Fall, stated that important clubs from Italy were interested in Doumbia. Fall also stated that it was decided by mutual agreement with Venezia for him to continue his growth at the club and aim to return to Serie A.

Tuttomercato reports that amid various transfer speculations, Udinese is interested in acquiring 22-year-old Italian midfielder Issa Doumbia. Udinese has targeted Doumbia, though the Venetian club considers him non-transferable. A potential arrangement could involve Udinese purchasing the player but allowing him to remain with his current club until June, potentially as a replacement for a departing player like Arthur Atta, who is being monitored by top clubs in Italy and elsewhere. Udinese faces competition for Doumbia, as Cremonese recently asked for information on him. Southampton has also been interested since last summer, having previously made a six-million-euro offer. Additionally, scouts from Celtic, Club Brugge, and Espanyol were reportedly in attendance to watch the midfielder in December. Doumbia is an Italy U21 international and is under contract with Venezia until June 2029. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €6.50m. He joined Venezia in July 2024 for a reported €1.0 million and has contributed 2 goals and 3 assists in 19 Serie B appearances this season.