Transfers
Rapid Vienna complete loan signing of Genoa midfielder Issa Doumbia
The 18-year-old midfielder has joined the Austrian side on loan from the Italian club until the end of the season.
Rapid Vienna have moved to bolster their midfield options with the loan acquisition of Issa Doumbia from Genoa.
The 18-year-old midfielder has joined the Austrian Bundesliga outfit on loan, with the deal confirmed on Sunday, August 17, 2026.
No transfer fee has been disclosed for the move, which sees Doumbia travel to Vienna in search of regular first-team football.
The loan agreement includes an option for Rapid to secure a permanent deal, according to club sources.
Doumbia, who came through Genoa’s youth academy, has made a small number of senior appearances for the Italian side but has struggled to break into the first team consistently.
His performances in the Primavera ranks caught the attention of several European clubs, and Rapid have moved quickly to secure his services for the remainder of the campaign.
The midfielder is expected to provide additional depth in central areas, where Rapid have been seeking reinforcements following a busy summer transfer window.
Manager Gerhard Abdi confirmed that Doumbia will be given every opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place in the squad.
“We are pleased to welcome Issa to the club,” Abdi said in a brief statement. “He is young, he is ambitious, and he has experience playing at a high level in Italy.”
Doumbia is expected to be available for selection in Rapid’s upcoming fixtures, including their opening match of the new season.
The loan deal represents another step in Rapid’s strategy of integrating young talent into their project, with several promising players already on their roster.
Genoa confirmed the move on their official website, thanking Doumbia for his service and wishing him well during his spell in Austria.
The Italian club retains the player’s registration and will continue to monitor his development from afar.
Doumbia is set to be introduced to the Rapid faithful at a press conference later this week, where he will be assigned a squad number.
He becomes the latest in a line of loan signings for Rapid this summer, as they look to compete across domestic and European competitions.
The midfielder is expected to link up with his new teammates immediately and begin training under the supervision of the coaching staff.
His arrival adds further quality to a midfield that already features several established names, and his presence is likely to create healthy competition for places.
The deal is subject to a medical examination and the issuing of a work permit, both of which are expected to be completed in the coming days.
Once finalized, Doumbia will join Rapid for the start of their new season, which kicks off later this week.
His contract with Genoa remains in place, and he will return to the Italian side at the conclusion of the loan spell.
Rapid sporting director Thomas Schreiber described the signing as a statement of intent, highlighting the club’s commitment to developing young players.
“Issa fits perfectly into our philosophy,” Schreiber said. “He brings energy, technical ability, and a strong work ethic to our squad.”
The midfielder has already begun learning the language and settling into life in Vienna, according to the club’s official website.
His family is expected to join him shortly, and he has been assigned accommodation close to the training ground.
Doumbia will wear the number 19 shirt for Rapid and has expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead.
“I am very happy to be here and I want to give everything for this club,” he said. “My goal is to play regularly and help the team achieve its objectives.”
His immediate focus will be on adapting to the Austrian league and contributing to Rapid’s push for European qualification.
The loan move provides Doumbia with an invaluable opportunity to gain senior experience at a time when playing time is crucial for his development.
Rapid will now turn their attention to preparing for the new season, with Doumbia among those expected to feature in pre-season friendlies.
His progress will be tracked closely by both clubs throughout the duration of the loan spell.