Ismaël Doukouré’s departure from RC Strasbourg appears increasingly likely, with Bundesliga heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund reportedly stepping up their pursuit of the highly-rated Franco-Ivorian defender.
The 21-year-old centre-back has declined multiple contract extension proposals from Strasbourg since last summer, making it clear that his intention is to leave at the end of the season.
With only one year remaining on his current deal, the Ligue 1 side now faces mounting pressure to sell rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee in future windows.
Doukouré’s consistent performances in the French top flight have not gone unnoticed. Sources suggest both Leverkusen and Dortmund are preparing bids in anticipation of a summer move.
Leverkusen, the newly crowned Bundesliga champions, are believed to see Doukouré as a valuable addition to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of a busy European campaign next season.
Dortmund, meanwhile, are looking to rejuvenate their backline and have identified Doukouré as part of that vision.
The race for his signature does not end in Germany. Premier League and Serie A clubs are also monitoring his situation closely, aware that Doukouré’s profile a young, physically strong, and tactically intelligent defender makes him one of the most sought-after emerging talents on the continent.
Wolfsburg, another German side previously linked with the player, may also re-enter the fray should the opportunity arise.
Despite the interest, Strasbourg is not prepared to let Doukouré leave without a significant return.
The Alsace-based club is reportedly holding out for a transfer fee in the region of €30 million. While steep for a player with only a year left on his contract, Strasbourg believes his age, potential, and growing reputation justify the valuation.
Doukouré’s trajectory has been closely followed since his breakthrough. He has become a regular fixture in Strasbourg’s starting eleven, showing composure beyond his years and the versatility to operate across the defensive line.
His refusal to commit to a long-term future at the club has done little to hinder his on-field consistency, but internally, the club is preparing for life without him.
With the summer transfer window approaching and the competition intensifying, Strasbourg’s management will likely face increased pressure to finalise a deal that satisfies both the club’s financial expectations and Doukouré’s ambition to step onto a bigger European stage.
For the player himself, a move to a top-tier side—particularly in Germany’s high-tempo, physically demanding league could mark a decisive step forward in his career.
And for Strasbourg, the coming weeks may be less about convincing Doukouré to stay and more about ensuring they extract maximum value before he walks out the door.
As the transfer saga unfolds, Ismaël Doukouré remains one of the brightest young defenders on the market one whose next move will be watched closely across Europe.
