Everton face Celtic competition for teenage midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia
Everton are reportedly among several clubs monitoring BK Häcken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, with Celtic now considering a January move for the 19-year-old.
The Ivory Coast youngster has attracted interest following an impressive first season in Sweden, where he has established himself as a regular in Häcken’s midfield. According to Africafoot, Everton have sent scouts to watch Doumbia, alongside Celtic, Sunderland, Coventry City and several European clubs.
Celtic consider January move for Everton-linked midfielder
A report from Football Insider on Sunday claims Celtic have identified Doumbia as a potential January signing as they look to strengthen their midfield. The Scottish champions are understood to be monitoring his progress, although there is no indication that an agreement has been reached with Häcken.
Doumbia joined the Swedish club from ASEC Mimosas in January 2026 and has quickly adapted to European football. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he can also operate in a more advanced central position. He has scored twice and provided three assists in the Allsvenskan this season.
His performances have reportedly attracted attention from Bayer Leverkusen, Club Brugge, Freiburg, Nice and Lens, among others. Doumbia is under contract until 2030, while his estimated market value is around €5million (£4.4million). That figure is not a confirmed asking price.
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Everton interest remains at scouting stage
Everton’s reported interest comes despite David Moyes recently playing down the prospect of January recruitment. Asked about the club’s winter transfer plans before Friday’s victory over Coventry City, Moyes said: “No. At the moment, there’s no plans for January, no.”
That does not rule out Everton continuing to assess younger players for the future, but there is currently no confirmed bid or evidence of formal negotiations for Doumbia. For now, Celtic appear to be considering a more immediate move, while Everton remain one of several clubs credited with scouting the teenager.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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