Bruges, Celtic, Espanyol, and Southampton are among the clubs interested: the figures are staggering

The clubs interested in him are mind-boggling: Bruges, Celtic, Espanyol, Southampton. Imagine the millions being talked about in offers: we’re talking double digits, unusual values in Serie B. Issa Doumbia is one of the strongest players in the league. Italian and European clubs are knocking on Venezia’s door asking about the 22-year-old with a clean-cut face and the physique of Hercules who energizes and protects Giovanni Stoppa’s midfield, with an ability to read situations and make an impact that grows with every game. The coach never leaves him out: 20 appearances in this championship, 19 of which as a starter in a now established position as a central midfielder. Doumbia is one of the idols of the Unione fans, a key player so far with two goals and consistently decisive performances, including in the run of five consecutive victories—and 25 points earned in the last nine games—that have taken the orange and green to second place, ahead of their away game on Saturday, January 24, in Mantua. His progressions are impressive, and taking the ball off his feet is a feat. Issa is the heart of a midfield that has Kike Perez as its perpetual engine, Gianluca Busio as its all-rounder, and Alfred Duncan as its luxury substitute. Few teams have such quality in the middle.

So far, the club has always said no to anyone who has come knocking for him. He is a talent that must be nurtured and protected; he can and must continue to grow. For now, he will remain in Venice, at least until the end of the season, and then we will see. Filippo Antonelli is enjoying the fruits of his intuition two years ago when he picked him up in Serie C at AlbinoLeffe. He negotiated with president Gianfranco Andreoletti and sporting director Antonio Obbedio, beating out competition from Atalanta Under 23, Juventus Next Gen, Monza, and Triestina, securing the player in January 2024 and signing him in the summer for €1 million plus bonuses. He had him sign a forward-thinking contract until June 2029. Last season, in Serie A, Eusebio Di Francesco began to mold him for the highest level: he immediately made a few appearances from the bench, then made his debut as a starter against Verona, with a finishing error that could have knocked him down but which the youngster worked on until he carved out increasingly important spaces for himself in the second half of the season, with eight starts and a great game as a right midfielder on the last day against Juventus. During the same period, he also had his first experiences with Italy’s Under-21 team, with two appearances in March friendlies against the Netherlands (at Penzo) and Denmark, and above all, his call-up for the European Championship, playing as a starter in the 1-1 draw against Spain. After the summer, Doumbia’s valuation had already exceeded €2 million. Today, it is already over six million, but the feeling is that the race will not stop there.

ROOTS—  Born in Treviglio to a family of Ivorian origin, Doumbia grew up in Zingonia. He inherited his passion for soccer from his father, a truck driver. He is very close to his older brother, Mamadou, who works in public relations and is friends with Rafa Leao. Issa has played for AlbinoLeffe since he was a child. He grew up with his friend Mohamed Alì Zoma, who is now learning the trade of striker at Miroslav Klose’s Nuremberg in Bundesliga 2. The Bergamo club has accompanied Issa’s growth, found him an apartment in Zanica, and helped him believe in himself and in the prospect of a professional career. The interest of a Serie B club has made him more responsible, and today he is becoming an important player in Laguna. There is strong interest from Italy and Europe. Venezia hopes to keep him for a while longer. Maybe even in Serie A.