Rennes forward Jeremy Doku has enjoyed a steady rise over recent seasons, now to the point where he is being linked with a move to top clubs all across Europe. It would appear that leading the chase for the Belgian international are treble winners Manchester City, and we're going to bring you the very latest on this high profile transfer.
Doku, aged 21, enjoyed a solid start to his campaign when finding the back of the net during Rennes 5-1 Ligue 1 victory over Metz on Sunday. It could be the final swansong for the tricky winger for the French club, as a switch to the reigning Premier League champions certainly looks on the cards. Doku has spent the past three years in France after signing from Anderlecht in 2020.
Man City have seen their need for a forward player increase even further after they received some rather damaging injury news this week. Kevin De Bruyne was forced off in their comfortable opening day win away to Burnley last Friday, and City fans across the globe have been crossing their fingers ever since, hoping for good news. Unfortunately, it is the opposite.
Citizens boss Pep Guardiola confirmed in a pre-conference prior to their UEFA Super Cup encounter with Sevilla that De Bruyne, a Belgium international team mate of Doku, could be out of action for as long as four months, and may even require surgery on a hamstring problem, which also forced him off in the UEFA Champions League Final at the end of last season.
The need for another creative forward is a must, and Guardiola himself acknowledged that it is practically impossible to replace De Bruyne, given the qualities he possesses. Nevertheless, Doku has emerged as a more than solid option to come to the Etihad Stadium club, so let us finally provide you with the latest on this deal.
Jeremy Doku to Manchester City: The latest developments
City fans should begin to get excited as late last night big news was revealed from a creditable source regards Doku's switch to Man City. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri exclusively revealed on his X account that the player has agreed a five-year deal to link up with City. This is therefore seen very much as a long-term move, and Guardiola will hope to work his magic on the attacker to take him to the next level.
Doku has already held discussions with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager over moving to the blue side of Manchester, and those talks clearly went positively for all concerned parties. Earlier this week, Man City made an official move for Doku, with the French insisted that he won't be allowed to depart for anything less than €55million.
There is the slightest of possible stumbling blocks for Man City, and that comes in the form of interest from another Premier League club in the talented youngster, that being West Ham United. However, with the player already holding talks with the City manager, he has already set his heart on that move, and will hope the two clubs can make that happen in terms of finances.
Ironically, City are also hoping to add Lucas Paqueta to their squad from West Ham. Whether that would have any possible effect on the Doku move remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another interesting layer to the whole situation.
