Al-Ittihad close to signing Mahamadou Doumbia despite interest from Juventus
Saudi club Al-Ittihad is finalizing the signing of 21-year-old midfielder Mahamadou Doumbia from Royal Antwerp, in a deal that could total €25 million, according to transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri.
Deal Nears Completion
Doumbia, who has a contract with Antwerp until 2027, is set to travel to Paris for medical tests before completing the move. The agreement includes an initial €16 million fee plus €9 million in performance-related bonuses, pushing the final price well above his €9 million Transfermarkt valuation.
The transfer is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, making the Malian international one of the most expensive young signings by a Saudi Pro League club this summer.
Juventus and Inter Miss Out
The midfielder had been on the radar of Juventus and Inter Milan, but neither Italian giant submitted an official bid before Al-Ittihad advanced negotiations. The move underlines how Saudi clubs continue to challenge Europe’s elite in the transfer market.
Al-Ittihad’s Ambition
With Karim Benzema already leading the attack, Al-Ittihad’s board views Doumbia as both a present reinforcement and a long-term investment. The young talent is expected to bring energy and versatility to the midfield while the club pursues domestic and continental ambitions.
