Football Today
·7 July 2023
Burnley showing interest in Strasbourg defender Ismael Doukoure
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Football Today
·7 July 2023
RC Strasbourg defender Ismael Doukoure has emerged as a summer target for Premier League club Burnley, according to Foot Mercato.
The 19-year-old defender is one of the highly-rated prospects at the French club after putting his talent on show for the relegation survivors last season.
Doukoure arrived at Strasbourg on a €1.5 million move from Valenciennes and bagged a goal and an assist in 28 Ligue 1 appearances last term.
The Frenchman’s performances reportedly caught the eye of Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, who is hoping to add him to his squad ahead of the coming season.
Kompany’s interest in Doukoure could prove a valuable endorsement for the youngster.
The Belgian tactician was a legendary centre-back during his playing days, and his interest speaks highly of the Strasbourg defender.
However, it remains to be seen if the French club, recently acquired by American consortium BlueCo, will sanction the sale of one of their prized assets.
Having joined only a year and a half ago, Doukoure still has three years left on his current deal with Strasbourg, and the financial backing from their new owners means the club are under no immediate pressure to sell.
Doukoure is not the only Strasbourg star being courted by other clubs, with defensive midfielder Habib Diarra also attracting interest from Ligue 1 runners-up RC Lens.
However, Strasbourg president Marc Keller turned down Lens’ approach for Diarra, with the club keen to hang on to their young assets as they prepare for their debut campaign under BlueCo ownership.
Strasbourg barely avoided relegation last season, and they have hired former Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira to usher the club into a new era.
Kompany may have to look elsewhere in his search for a new centre-back, although it remains to be seen if a substantial proposal could tempt Strasbourg into a sale.
The former Anderlecht boss is keen to significantly reinforce his squad as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.