Why Celtic should keep their eyes off Sory Doumbouya
According to claims from Actufoot (h/t Daily Record), Celtic have been credited with an interest in Guinean striker Sory Doumbouya, who currently plies his trade with French Ligue 2 side Rodez Aveyron.
As per the report, Celtic have made enquiries about the 21-year-old, who is also understood to be on the radar of Swiss clubs Basel and Sion.
Profile
Born in Riom, France, to parents of Guinean descent, Sory Doumbouya started his footballing education at FC Gueugnon before joining FC Dijon on a free transfer in the summer of 2016. The striker subsequently made a handful of appearances for Dijon’s B side in the fourth-tier and had a brief stint at AS Saint-Priest prior to joining Rodez earlier this summer.
However, the 21-year-old has been assigned to Rodez’s B side and will compete in the fifth-tier of French football for the ongoing campaign. Doumbouya is yet to make his senior international debut for Guinea but has already featured for his country’s U-23 side.
Doumbouya would be a massive gamble for Celtic
Celtic are currently well-stocked in their striking options following the capture of Swiss international Albian Ajeti from West Ham in the summer. The youngster has made a positive impression with 5 league goals in 6 outings for the Hoops while star man Odsonne Edouard has also contributed with 4 strikes in 7 appearances in the Premiership.
The reigning Scottish champions also have Patryk Klimala competing for a place in front of goal while Leigh Griffiths is expected to be a part of Neil Lennon’s plans once he regains full fitness. Plus, the manager has also utilised Ryan Christie and Mohamed Elyounoussi in an advanced role up top, meaning Celtic certainly don’t need another striker in their ranks.
To put things into perspective, Celtic’s interest in Sory Doumbouya sounds quite bizarre, not least because he is yet to play first-team football in France. That he has failed to make a transition to the senior professional level at the age of 21 doesn’t strike the right chords regarding his development.
It’s always a good idea for clubs to cast their rods deep into the pond in search of hidden gems but there is hardly any evidence to suggest that Doumbouya would be able to make the grade in Scottish football. Such a gamble would perhaps have made sense had the player been scouted at 17 or 18, but at 21, the Hoops might be better off avoiding a move for him.
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Verdict
Celtic already have enough depth in their first-team striking options and Lennon might as well look for some upgrades in January if he is indeed keen on adding new players to his ranks. A little-known entity like Sory Doumbouya doesn’t fit the bill in that regard. With no first-team experience at 21, the Hoops can’t really afford to sign him with one eye on the future.
On the contrary, they can focus on the development of Jonathan Afolabi, who is currently out on loan and remains an exciting prospect with loads of potential to shine at the highest level.
