Watford could face a big pre-season blow as they will have to fend off interest from the Premier League for striker Mamadou Doumbia.
The Malian international has become a regular squad member in Hertfordshire, making 22 appearances in his debut season for the club. Whilst the club have invested in new forward options this summer with the signing of Vivaldo Semedo from Udinese and the expected deal for Luca Kjerrumgaard set to be completed this week, Doumbia looks set to be a key part of the Hornets squad.
Bid Rejected As Contract Offered
Watford have been working to sign Doumbia to a new contract just one year removed from his signing from Mali. Having initially agreed a six-year deal at Vicarage Road, Gino Pozzo’s side are aiming to reach a new deal with the 19-year-old to reflect his status in the squad.
However, some sides have tried to lure Doumbia away from Watford, with reports at the start of the week suggesting Burnley are ready to bid for the striker to add to Scott Parker’s arsenal as The Clarets head into the Premier League. Indeed, the Watford Observer has since revealed that Watford have turned down a £10 million bid from the Lancashire club.
Burnley have already recruited in the striker department this summer, with Jacob Bruun Larsen joining from Bundesliga side VFB Stuttgart alongside existing options Zian Flemming and the returning Ashley Barnes after his departure from Norwich City.
Writers’ View
Mamadou Doumbia is the striker of the future for Watford so they will want to keep a hold of him so soon after investing into the 19-year-old. Burnley’s bid is a very lucrative offer considering his limited experience but The Hornets must value him highly to reject that offer. A new contract will shut down any future conversations but depending on how much game time he is given this upcoming season, this interest may rear its head again later down the line.
