According to a fresh update from AfricaFoot, Newcastle United have surged ahead in the race to sign Mamadou Doumbia. The Watford striker is one of the most exciting young talents in the league right now. The Magpies view the 19-year-old Malian international as the man to lead their front line for years to come.
They are clearly convinced he is headed for the top. Doumbia moved from the Malian league to Vicarage Road in 2024. He struggled at first but eventually worked his way into the Hornets’ first-team plans.
He is under contract at Watford until 2029, but his recent form has put Premier League clubs on high alert. Burnley and Brentford are keeping a close eye on him, but Newcastle have reportedly moved to the front of the queue. The player’s camp likes what they’ve heard about the project in Tyneside. This means a deal could move quickly before the January window closes.
A Gamble on Potential or a Stroke of Genius for Newcastle United?
Newcastle United are in a tricky spot. Eddie Howe’s side are fighting for a European place in the top half of the table. Still, they lack that clinical edge they had during their Champions League run two seasons ago.
Injuries and tired legs have often left the Magpies struggling for goals, which has forced Howe to play wingers out of position in the middle. This is why the move for Mamadou Doumbia makes so much sense.
Doumbia is definitely one for the future. He has four goal involvements in 18 Championship games this season, which doesn’t immediately suggest he’s ready to dominate the Premier League. Even so, scouts see a lot of potential beyond those basic stats.
The left-footed striker stands at 6ft 4in and has a unique combination of height and technical skill. He will give Newcastle something different: a target man who can hold the ball up and bother deep-lying defenders. The 19-year-old’s style would actually help Yoane Wissa find more space rather than just doing the same job.
There are still doubts about whether he can handle the jump in intensity. It is a big risk to drop a teenager with very little Championship experience into a high-stakes European race. He would probably start as a bench option to come on and stretch tired defences.
If the deal happens, it would show that the Magpies are more worried about building a squad for the next few years than just finding a quick fix. With his agents making positive noises and Newcastle desperate for more options in attack, the move looks likely. The Tyneside club will probably pay more than £15 million for him, betting that his value will explode while working under Howe.
