Ivory Coast: Benfica accelerate move for Issa Doumbia as Sporting Lisbon prepare rival offer

Issa Doumbia’s impressive season with Venezia has placed the midfielder at the centre of growing transfer interest across Europe, with Benfica reportedly stepping up efforts to sign the Ivorian-born talent while Sporting Lisbon prepares its own approach.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the standout performers in Serie B after playing a major role in Venezia’s title-winning campaign and helping the Italian club secure promotion back to Serie A.

His performances throughout the season have attracted attention from several clubs in Portugal, Turkey, Italy and France, turning Doumbia into one of the most closely watched young midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window.

Benfica makes first major move

Benfica appears to have taken an early lead in the race for the midfielder after reportedly submitting a formal offer for the player.

According to journalist Nicolò Schira, the Portuguese side has proposed a package worth €15 million including bonuses, while also offering Doumbia a five-year contract running until 2031.

The move underlines Benfica’s determination to secure the midfielder before competition intensifies further during the summer.

The Lisbon club has built a reputation for identifying and developing young talent, and Doumbia’s profile appears to fit that strategy closely.

His performances in Italy have strengthened the belief that he possesses the qualities required to compete at a higher level in European football.

Sporting Lisbon preparing response

While Benfica has already made an important step, Sporting Lisbon is also reported to be preparing a move for the Venezia midfielder.

The Portuguese club has shown concrete interest in the player and could soon enter direct negotiations as it looks to compete with its Lisbon rival for Doumbia’s signature.

The growing attention from both Portuguese giants reflects the midfielder’s rapid rise during the current campaign.

Sporting’s interest also highlights how highly the player is regarded after a season in which he became one of Venezia’s most influential figures.

The rivalry between Benfica and Sporting may now extend into the transfer market as both clubs seek to secure one of Serie B’s breakout stars.

Outstanding season with Venezia

Doumbia’s rise has been driven largely by his consistency and influence throughout Venezia’s successful campaign.

The midfielder started 36 of the club’s 37 league matches, underlining both his importance to the squad and his physical reliability over the course of the season.

During that period, he scored eight goals and provided six assists, numbers that reflect his growing impact in attacking areas.

His energetic style, forward runs and ability to influence matches in midfield became central to Venezia’s performances as the club secured promotion to Serie A.

The season has therefore transformed Doumbia from a promising talent into one of the most sought-after young midfielders currently playing in Italy’s second division.

Interest growing across Europe

The list of clubs monitoring Doumbia continues to expand beyond Portugal.

Turkish side Beşiktaş has already submitted an initial offer, while several major Serie A clubs are also reportedly following the player closely.

Among the Italian teams linked with the midfielder are AS Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Napoli, Lazio and Atalanta.

Interest is not limited to Italy, with French side RC Strasbourg also reportedly monitoring the situation, according to JeunesFooteux.

The broad range of clubs tracking Doumbia reflects how strongly his reputation has grown during the campaign.

At only 22 years old, he is viewed as a player with significant room for development and long-term potential.

Venezia face important transfer decision

Despite the growing speculation, Doumbia remains under contract with Venezia until June 2029.

The Italian club therefore remains in a strong negotiating position ahead of the transfer window.

Currently valued at €8 million, the midfielder’s market value could continue rising as competition for his signature intensifies.

Venezia will now face an important decision regarding one of its most valuable assets following promotion back to Serie A.

The coming months are expected to determine whether the club chooses to build around the midfielder for its return to the top flight or capitalise on the growing interest from across Europe.

For Doumbia, the summer transfer window increasingly appears likely to become one of the defining moments of his young career.