EFL Championship outfit Watford have confirmed the signing of Mamadou Doumbia on a six-year contract.

A statement on the club’s website said: “Watford is delighted to confirm the signing of exciting Mali youth international striker Mamadou Doumbia on a six-year contract,” adding: “The left-footed 18-year-old is set to join the Hornets on July 1, 2024 from Malian side Black Stars FC.”

Standing at 6ft 3in, Doumbia combines his natural finishing instincts with flair and impressive ball control and burst onto the international stage with his performances at the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring four goals in five games as Mali finished fourth.

He continued his impressive form at last year’s U17 World Cup, grabbing another four goals, including a hat-trick in the team’s opening fixture against Uzbekistan. His other goal came in the third-place play-off against Argentina, which Mali won 3-0.