If a recent report from Gazzetta dello Sport (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic remain keen on Issa Doumbia, having scouted him extensively over the past six months. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Brugge, Espanyol and Southampton also keeping close tabs on the Venezia midfielder.
The Saints, who recently joined the hunt, have seen their bid rejected by the Serie B side. The 22-year-old Italy youth international was rated at around £5.3m last year, but his valuation has spiked significantly to £13m following this season’s majestic performance in the middle of the park.
Rise At Venezia
The Lombardy-born youngster progressed through the academy ranks of Ciserano and AlbinoLeffe before breaking into the latter’s first team in the third tier of Italian football. After 82 senior appearances for his boyhood club, Doumbia completed a low-key €1m transfer to then-top-flight outfit Venezia in the summer of 2024.
VENICE, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Joel Pohljanpalo of Venezia celebrates scoring the opening goal with Issa Doumbia during the Serie A match between Venezia and Como at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on December 08, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Although the Winged Lions suffered relegation last year, his minutes increased with time, as he cemented a regular spot in the second tier. With seven goals and five assists in 35 outings, the Azzurri prodigy has showcased his all-round qualities, thus helping the Venice outfit retain their top-of-the-table position with two league games remaining. They are closing in on an immediate promotion, and the Hoops must act swiftly, given the growing competition for the midfield sensation.
Celtic have ample options in the centre of the pitch, but might undergo an overhaul amid a potential transition. Not only must they find a worthy successor to Martin O’Neill, but also be swift in terms of transfer business after two dreadful windows.
Why Celtic Should Stay In The Hunt
Skipper Callum McGregor is still going strong as a deep-lying playmaker. But the growing interest in Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels could leave a void if they fail to retain their services for the upcoming campaign. The club have yet to decide whether to extend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract beyond this season, whereas Luke McCowan, despite penning an extension, is primarily viewed as a sporadic option. Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo have slipped down the pecking order and might get offloaded due to limited appearances under the veteran Northern Irish boss.
Predominantly a ‘number 8’, Doumbia is also effective as a midfield attacker. His box-to-box movement, dribbling, physicality and ball-carrying ability would see him dictate the show week in and week out. Nevertheless, his arrival would depend on how much the club generate from player sales in the coming days.
