According to a recent report by the Portuguese news outlet Record (translated by the Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are keeping tabs on Sporting CP midfielder Idrissa Doumbia after he caught the eye with his impressive performance against the Merseyside giants at the Yankee Stadium on Wednesday evening. The same source has mentioned that the Ivorian talent has a £54m release clause in his contract at the José Alvalade Stadium.
The Recent Emergence Of Idrissa Doumbia In European Football
Doumbia began his playing career at ES Bingerville before going on to make an impact in the Jupiler Pro League for RSC Anderlecht. He also had a season-long loan spell at Zulte Waregem in the 2017-18 campaign.
The Liga NOS rising star made a name for himself at Russian side Akhmat Grozny. He registered one goal and created one assist in 16 matches in the Russian Premier League last season.
The 21-year-old joined Sporting CP during the recent January transfer window and has continued his good form in the Portuguese top-flight. The Ivory Coast midfield ace went on to appear in 14 matches for the Portuguese giants, scoring one goal in the process. On the defensive end, Doumbia made an average of 1.0 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 0.1 clearances in the top tier of Portugal (stats via whoscored).
What Will The Ivory Coast Prospect Bring To Merseyside?
The Sporting youngster is a powerhouse in midfield as he can physically dominate the opposition using his incredible strength. Doumbia is moderately paced, which explains why he can cover so much ground at the centre of the park. The Ivorian wonderkid is one of the best young defensive midfielders in Europe. Hence, it could prove to be a brilliant coup for Liverpool if they can bring him to Anfield soon.
At 21, the Liga NOS youngster has a lot of time to improve his game and prove his worth at the highest level. However, he is currently too inexperienced to feature in the Premier League and might find it challenging to adapt to the high intensity of English football.
If Jurgen Klopp wants to sign Doumbia to build for the future, then it makes sense for Liverpool as he can be an ideal understudy to Fabinho, who has impressed at the heart of Klopp’s midfield since joining the Reds last summer.
