Newcastle United face €80m hurdle in pursuit of Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia

Newcastle United remain interested in Issa Doumbia, but any attempt to sign the Sporting CP midfielder could be complicated by an €80m release clause.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Newcastle United have continued to monitor Doumbia after previously trying to enter the race for his signature while he was playing for Venice. Sporting eventually won that battle with what was considered the more convincing offer, but the English club has not abandoned its interest.

Newcastle have been following the midfielder’s progress since last season and still regard him as a potential addition to their squad. The club’s earlier involvement in the transfer has not prevented it from keeping track of Doumbia’s situation at Sporting CP.

Juventus, AS Roma and Brentford also interested

Newcastle United are not the only club watching Doumbia. Ekrem Konur reports that Juventus, AS Roma and Brentford are also interested in the midfielder’s profile.

The growing list of suitors underlines Doumbia’s appeal in the European transfer market. However, none of those clubs has yet made a formal move, and it remains unclear whether any of them will decide to act or whether Sporting CP would be willing to discuss a departure.

Sporting CP hold a strong negotiating position because Doumbia is under contract with the Portuguese club until June 2031. His agreement includes an €80m release clause, a figure that could make it difficult for potential buyers to complete a deal.

Competition between several interested clubs could influence the discussions, but there is currently no announced transfer. The situation may develop during the next transfer window, with Newcastle United continuing to track the player and Juventus, AS Roma and Brentford also remaining clubs to watch.

Doumbia’s current market value is €20m, considerably below the €80m required to activate his release clause. The gap between those figures could become central to any negotiations, although Sporting CP are in a position to demand the full clause if they choose not to negotiate.

The midfielder is expected to remain with Sporting CP for now, with the Portuguese club maintaining a strong stance over his future. Their next fixture is against Academica Viseu in the ninth round of the Portuguese championship.

For Newcastle United, the interest dates back to Doumbia’s time at Venice and has survived Sporting CP’s successful move for the player. With three other clubs also linked, his future could become one of the issues to follow in the coming months.