Ismaël Doukouré’s position at Strasbourg has become increasingly precarious, with the French defender of Ivorian origin reportedly being sidelined from the first team amid stalled contract talks and transfer complications.
The 22-year-old, who enjoyed a strong campaign last season and cemented his status as a key figure in the Alsatian side, was notably absent from Strasbourg’s goalless friendly against Mainz at the weekend.
His omission continued on Tuesday morning when he did not take part in the senior squad’s training session, fuelling speculation over his future.
According to reports from L’Équipe, Doukouré has been instructed to train with the reserve team. The decision is understood to stem from his refusal to extend his current contract, which runs until 30 June 2026.
The situation has been compounded by frustrations within the club hierarchy, following the breakdown of a proposed move to Premier League side Chelsea under the ownership group BlueCo.
The collapse of that potential transfer appears to have deepened tensions, leaving both player and club at an impasse. Doukouré, who joined Strasbourg from Valenciennes FC, is said to have been open to a fresh challenge since last summer.
With the current transfer window still open, he may now look to engineer a move away in search of stability and career progression.
Despite the uncertainty, there remains a possibility that Doukouré could see out the remainder of his contract.
However, such a scenario may limit his playing opportunities if he remains out of favour with the coaching staff.
Valued at around €18 million by Transfermarkt, the defender earns an estimated annual salary of €400,000.
His combination of youth, experience, and defensive versatility is expected to attract interest from clubs in both France and abroad, should Strasbourg make him available.
The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether Doukouré departs before the window closes or remains at the club under strained circumstances.
Strasbourg, meanwhile, face the challenge of managing a player whose talent has been integral to recent campaigns but whose contractual stance has put him on a collision course with the club’s plans.
For Doukouré, the decision will not only shape his immediate playing future but could also influence his long-term career trajectory.
A move could provide a fresh start and the chance to compete at a higher level, while staying could mean enduring a season with reduced involvement.
With the clock ticking on the transfer market, both parties are under pressure to reach a resolution. Whether that results in reconciliation or a parting of ways, the situation has cast a shadow over what had been a promising chapter in Doukouré’s career at Strasbourg.
