Celtic in Advanced Watch on £5.3m-Valued Midfielder as Interest Mounts, Negotiations with Venezia FC Ongoing-Romano Confirms
Celtic FC are intensifying their scouting operations ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, with the Scottish giants reported to be closely monitoring Italian midfielder Issa Doumbia a potential key target as manager Wilfried Nancy looks to reinforce his squad amid mixed early season results. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Celtic’s interest is tangible, and discussions with current club Venezia FC are “ongoing,” placing the 22-year-old at the center of a growing transfer saga. 
Scouts in Italy: Celtic Among Those Watching Doumbia
Celtic scouts were reportedly present at Venezia’s recent Serie B clash against Monza to assess Doumbia’s performances first-hand. Reports from Italy indicate that scouts from various European clubs, including Club Brugge and Espanyol, were also in attendance, underlining the rising interest in the midfielder. 
Doumbia has quickly become one of Venezia’s most watched assets since his move to the club in the summer of 2024. The central midfielder, who arrived from AlbinoLeffe, has impressed observers with his physical presence, tactical intelligence and reliability in midfield traits that have attracted interest beyond Scotland. 
Born on October 16, 2003, in Treviglio, Italy, Doumbia began his professional career at AlbinoLeffe, making 78 appearances and scoring four goals between 2021 and 2024 before securing a transfer to Venezia. Standing at 1.87m, his physicality and box-to-box style have made him a focal point in midfield since making the step up. 
At Venezia, Doumbia has continued his development, adjusting to higher levels of competition and becoming a regular feature in the side. His displays in Serie B have underlined his potential, and his performances have not gone unnoticed, with multiple clubs across Europe now keeping tabs on his progress. 
Celtic’s Midfield Needs and Strategic Interest
Celtic’s interest in Doumbia comes at a time when the club’s midfield dynamics are under scrutiny. Under the leadership of Nancy who took charge in 2025 the Hoops have endured a challenging start to the season, suffering a string of disappointing results in domestic and European competitions. With the January window looming, strengthening the midfield has become a priority, and Doumbia’s profile appears to fit the type of player Celtic believe could make an immediate impact. 
Insiders suggest that Celtic’s recruitment strategy is now heavily focused on securing a midfielder capable of blending physicality with technical prowess characteristics Doumbia has displayed consistently throughout the campaign. Although no formal bid has yet been tabled, Celtic’s scouting footprint across Italy signals concrete interest rather than casual observation. 
Competing Interest Across Europe
Celtic will not be alone in their pursuit. Belgian side Club Brugge are reported to be seriously monitoring Doumbia’s development and could emerge as a direct competitor in any transfer battle. Likewise, Spanish club Espanyol’s presence at Venezia’s match highlights that interest is not limited to clubs from the British Isles. 
Additionally, English side Southampton previously showed interest in Doumbia during the summer window, reportedly making an offer worth around £5.25 million an approach that ultimately did not materialize into a transfer. This initial valuation appears to have since risen as Doumbia’s stock has improved. 
Negotiations with Venezia: Romano Confirms Talks Underway
Fabrizio Romano, one of the most respected voices in football transfer reporting, has confirmed that Celtic’s interest is more than speculative. He reports that negotiations with Venezia FC are ongoing, although details around fees and player preferences remain fluid. Romano’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation and suggests talks could advance rapidly as the January window approaches. 
While Venezia have yet to make any public statement regarding Doumbia’s future, the club’s willingness to engage in talks with Celtic signals a recognition of the player’s market value and potential suitors. With Doumbia under contract at Venezia until 2029, any deal is likely to involve significant negotiation over both transfer fee and player terms. 
What This Means for Celtic and Doumbia
For Celtic, landing a promising young midfielder like Doumbia could prove transformative, offering depth, energy and tactical versatility to Nancy’s midfield setup. With competitors reportedly watching closely, Celtic will need to act decisively if they are to secure their man.
For Doumbia, the opportunity to join a club with Celtic’s history and European profile represents a potential step up in his career one that could propel him into higher levels of competition and broader recognition on the continental stage.
As negotiations continue and the January window draws nearer, all eyes will be on both Celtic Park and the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo to see if this promising midfield link can be turned into a headline grabbing transfer.
