Cheickna Doumbia: Mali striker at Shabab Al-Ahli linked with Sharjah FC move

Mali centre-forward Cheickna Doumbia of Shabab Al-Ahli is being linked with a move to UAE Pro League rivals Sharjah FC as clubs in the division reshape their attacking options for the new campaign.

Doumbia, 23, has established himself in the Emirati top flight and is viewed as a potential addition to Sharjahs forward line after his return to Shabab Al-Ahli this summer. The strikers current market valuation stands at around 300,000, a figure that would make any deal relatively accessible within the leagues internal market.

Having joined Shabab Al-Ahli from Black Stars in January 2022, Doumbia has accumulated significant experience in the UAE Pro League, making 61 appearances and scoring 14 goals in the competition. His exposure to domestic cup competitions has added further minutes at senior level, contributing to his profile as a proven option within the local game.

Doumbias standing was enhanced by his role in Shabab Al-Ahlis title-winning 2022-23 campaign, when the club were crowned UAE champions. That success, combined with his size at 1.90m and experience as a central striker, has made him a known quantity for rival technical staff across the league.

The forward has already experienced spells away from Shabab Al-Ahli within the country, including loans at Khor Fakkan and Al-Nasr before returning to his parent club at the end of June 2026. With his contract situation not publicly disclosed, it remains unclear what type of agreement would be required for Sharjah to secure his services, but for now Doumbia remains on Shabab Al-Ahlis books as interest from Sharjah continues to circulate.