Burnley are reportedly nearing the acquisition of Mamadou Doumbia, the 19-year-old Malian striker currently contracted to Watford.
The newly promoted Premier League side have shown sustained interest in the towering forward, who has rapidly emerged as one of Mali’s most exciting young talents.
Doumbia, standing at 1.92 meters, began his football journey at BlackStar in Mali before moving to Watford in June 2023.
Despite limited playing time in his first season in England—featuring in 19 matches and scoring twice—the Bamako native has impressed enough to attract top-flight attention.
Watford’s management presented me with a good project, Doumbia recently reflected, hinting at the club’s ambitions and his personal development plans. However, it is Burnley who appear ready to take the next step in the young striker’s career.
Sources close to the player confirm that Burnley have been monitoring Doumbia for several months and have now advanced discussions to complete his transfer.
The deal reportedly includes a five-year contract, signaling the club’s long-term faith in his potential.
Financial terms are said to involve a transfer fee in the region of €10 million, with Watford securing a 20% sell-on clause as part of the arrangement—an indication of the forward’s perceived value and future resale prospects.
Doumbia’s physical presence and skill set have marked him out as a rising star within Malian football circles.
His ability to hold up play, combined with promising finishing skills, has earned him recognition among experts analyzing the best young talents from Mali.
His progression into European football underscores the increasing pipeline of African players making their mark in England.
Burnley’s pursuit of Doumbia fits into a broader trend of Premier League clubs investing in youthful, high-potential players from Africa.
For Doumbia, the move represents an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level and further his international career.
As the transfer edges closer to completion, Burnley fans and Mali’s football followers alike will be keen to see how the young striker adapts to the demands of England’s top division and continues his development on one of football’s biggest stages.
