RC Lens are said to have sent scouts to Sweden to watch Abdoulaye Doumbia, the 19-year-old Ivorian defensive midfielder at BK Häcken. The story, reported by Africafoot, Top Mercato, But! Football Club and MercatoMinute, remains a mere lead at this stage.
Racing Club de Lens are interested in a new Ivorian profile. According to Africafoot, relayed by Top Mercato, the Artois club have dispatched scouts to Sweden to watch Abdoulaye Doumbia, a defensive midfielder at BK Häcken. No club is said to have made an offer for the player, according to But! Football Club and MercatoMinute.
The lead emerges just as the Racing side have lost the derby to LOSC (1-0), with Olivier Giroud scoring late in the match. For now, it goes no further than the observation stage.
A holding midfielder already established
Arriving in November 2025 from ASEC Mimosas, the young Ivorian has established himself in the Swedish club’s midfield. But! Football Club report that he already has 24 appearances in the Allsvenskan this season, 23 of them as a starter, with 2 goals and 3 assists.
Mainly used as a holding midfielder, Abdoulaye Doumbia stands out for his work in winning the ball back, his engine and his distribution, according to the same source. Under contract with Häcken until 2030, he is valued at around €5m, according to But! Football Club.
Rival interest reported, not confirmed
The Racing side are reportedly not alone in the race. Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, Sunderland, Strasbourg, Nice, Celtic Glasgow and Club Bruges are also said to have sent representatives to watch him, according to But! Football Club.
None of these clubs is said to have made an offer at this stage, according to the same source. These interests remain unconfirmed by the clubs concerned to date.
The Lens model in the background
Lens have made significant profits on two players. Mamadou Sangaré, signed from Rapid Vienna in summer 2025, was sold to Brentford for €48m, and Abdukodir Khusanov was sold to Manchester City for €40m, according to But! Football Club.
Lens’ decision on a possible offer for Abdoulaye Doumbia is expected in the next transfer window.