Rain of millions, Juventus mocked. Who is Issa Doumbia, the Italian talent leaving Venezia

No Juventus for Issa Doumbia. The Venezia midfielder, class of 2003, is about to move to Portugal, to Sporting Lisbon. The Bianconeri had been following the talented player of Ivorian origin, among the most interesting prospects of the last Serie B season, for some time, but the Portuguese club has mocked them by accelerating the timing and closing the deal.

Sporting, according to Sky, will pay into the coffers of Venezia about 20 million euros plus 6 million euros in bonuses, which will be triggered by the achievement of certain personal and team goals. Venezia would also include in the contract a percentage on the player’s future resale.

Doumbia, born in Treviglio to Ivorian parents, grew up in the youth ranks of Albinoleffe and made his professional debut in 2021 with the Bergamo-based club. Venezia picked him up in the summer of 2024 for €1 million plus bonuses, with great foresight: after two years his value has exploded, the player led by Giovanni Stroppa has been instrumental in the Laggunari’s rise to Serie A.

Three appearances with the Under-21 national team, Doumbia is a physically strong midfielder who can play in all midfield roles, from central midfielder to trequartista and winger. He has played 38 games this season, scoring 10 goals and making 8 decisive assists.

His performance had attracted the attention of several Italian clubs but Sporting burned the competition by deciding to invest a very large sum for him. Doumbia is yet another talent leaving Italian soccer: now he will try to establish himself abroad.