Newcastle Join Juventus and Roma in Race for Sporting’s Doumbia as Premier League Interest Grows

FolioPitch.com – 17 October 2026 | Newcastle join Juventus and Roma in race for Sporting’s Doumbia, with the Premier League club emerging as a serious contender for the highly rated midfielder just months after his move to Portugal. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, which splashed the story across its front page under the headline “Doumbia coveted,” the Magpies have entered the fray alongside the two Serie A giants, while other English clubs are also monitoring the situation.

The 23-year-old Issa Doumbia has enjoyed a meteoric rise from Venezia to Sporting, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. After joining Venezia for a modest €1 million, he scored eight goals and provided six assists as the club won promotion to Serie A last season. That form prompted Sporting to pay €20 million plus €6 million in add-ons, handing him a contract until 2031 with an €80 million release clause that becomes active next July.

Newcastle join Juventus and Roma in race for Sporting’s Doumbia at a time when the player’s stock is soaring. He has since made his first start for Italy against Turkey and scored his first Champions League goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Lens. Such milestones have only intensified speculation about his future, with A Bola naming Juventus and Newcastle as the leading suitors and confirming that Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma are also admirers.

The race is already proving competitive, with Milan and Napoli having missed out on the midfielder. Massimiliano Allegri and Igli Tare tried to sign him for the Rossoneri in April, and Allegri later attempted to take him to Napoli, but ran out of time. Now, Newcastle join Juventus and Roma in race for Sporting’s Doumbia, determined not to suffer a similar fate.

For Newcastle, the interest signals a continued ambition to strengthen their squad with young, high-potential talent. The club’s scouting network has been active across Europe, and Doumbia’s profile—a dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal and an ability to adapt quickly—fits the profile they are seeking. However, they will face stiff competition from Juventus and Roma, both of whom have a long tradition of nurturing and attracting top Italian talent.

Juventus, in particular, have been tracking Doumbia for some time, and their interest is believed to be serious. The Bianconeri are looking to rejuvenate their midfield and see the 23-year-old as a key piece for the future. Roma, under Gasperini, have also been impressed by his development and could offer him a prominent role in their project.

The player’s release clause, which becomes active next July, could be a decisive factor. At €80 million, it is a significant sum, but for a player of Doumbia’s potential, it may prove to be a bargain in the current market. Sporting are under no pressure to sell, given his contract runs until 2031, but interest from multiple top clubs could force their hand if a substantial offer arrives.

Newcastle join Juventus and Roma in race for Sporting’s Doumbia, and the coming months will be crucial in determining his next destination. The Magpies will need to convince the player that St James’ Park is the right place for his continued development, while also fending off competition from Italy. With other Premier League clubs also watching, the battle for his signature is only set to intensify.

In conclusion, the race for Issa Doumbia is heating up, with Newcastle joining Juventus and Roma in pursuit of the Sporting midfielder. His rapid rise from Venezia to the Champions League stage has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents. While Milan and Napoli have already missed out, the trio of Newcastle, Juventus, and Roma will now vie for his signature, and the outcome could hinge on the player’s desire for regular first-team football and the project that appeals most to his ambitions.