The midfielder joins to bolster the midfield at Alvalade

Issa Doumbia has become the latest signing for Sporting CP’s 2026/27 project, joining through to 2031 with an 80 million euros buyout clause.

The 22-year-old midfielder travelled to Lisbon this Tuesday to finalise the deal, which he defines as "the most important step" of his career.

The Italian, whose presentation video showed him arriving on a traditional Vespa from his home country, said that "It's a unique feeling and I'm very happy. Joining Sporting CP is the best path for my career. This is the best club to help me evolve.”

Born in Treviglio, in the Lombardy region, and the son of immigrant parents from the Ivory Coast, Doumbia was part of the US Ciserano youth system before, at UC AlbinoLeffe, he debuted at only 18 years old in the Italian Serie C.

Following his move to Venezia FC, he made his Serie A debut, playing 25 times in his first season. In his second, he established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the division, and played a key role in the club's immediate return to the top tier of Italian football: he made 38 appearances, scored ten goals and provided two assists in the campaign that culminated in Venezia FC winning the Serie B title.

An international at youth level and a regular in the Under-21s team, whom he represented at the European Championships in 2025, the midfielder stands out for his versatility in the midfield -and now intends to put these qualities at the service of Sporting CP.

"I would describe my playing style as physical, technical, intense, fast and agile," he summarised. "I think I have similar characteristics to Paul Pogba, who is one of my heroes. I will try to evolve and become even better," he assured.

"I handle pressure well and I'm very calm about this challenge that lies ahead. I want to help the team, make it difficult for the coach when it comes to picking his starting XI, and do what he asks of me. My goals are the team's goals; to go as far as possible," he explained.

The possibility of competing at the highest level in European competitions also weighed heavily in his decision to move to the club.

"It's a dream to play in the UEFA Champions League and I hope to be able to achieve it as soon as possible," he said.

"I know the fans are very passionate and that they support the players fully. I'm very happy about that. I can't wait to play at Alvalade! "I'm ready!", he stated.