Beşiktaş lead race for Issa Doumbia despite interest from European giants

Beşiktaş have made a formal €15 million offer to sign midfielder Issa Doumbia from Venezia FC, according to reports in Italy.

The 22-year-old, who has been linked with several clubs across Europe in recent months, could now be set for a move to the Turkish Süper Lig as negotiations progress.

Italian newspaper La Nuova Venezia reports that the Istanbul side have already taken concrete steps towards completing the transfer.

Despite ongoing discussions between the two clubs, it is understood that Beşiktaş have already reached an agreement in principle with the player.

Doumbia remains under contract with Venezia until June 2029, but the Italian club are not expected to block a potential departure.

Venezia’s position is influenced by their broader sporting plans, with the club reportedly open to a sale that could generate funds to strengthen the squad ahead of their return to Serie A.

The proposed transfer fee is seen as a significant opportunity to reinvest in the team.

If completed, the move would mark a new chapter in Doumbia’s career and could offer him the chance to compete at a higher level, including potential involvement in the UEFA Champions League with Beşiktaş.

However, interest in the midfielder is not limited to Turkey. Several prominent clubs have been monitoring his situation, including AS Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Napoli, Lazio and Atalanta, as well as Portuguese sides Benfica and Sporting CP.

Doumbia’s performances this season have underlined his growing reputation. He has made 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists, figures that have contributed to his rising profile in European football.

With talks continuing, Beşiktaş appear to be leading the race, although competition from other clubs could still influence the outcome in the coming weeks.