Manchester City are reportedly set to sign Stade Rennais winger Jeremy Doku, and have agreed a deal worth around €60 million for his services.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are on the verge of signing Rennes winger Jeremy Doku. The Citizens have verbally agreed to a deal worth €60 million package deal with the Ligue 1 outfit and are looking to strike an agreement this week despite competition from Premier League rivals.
The player himself had already given Manchester City the green light to pursue a deal, with the Belgium international eager to join the European champions. The 21-year-old is a target for the treble winners as Pep Guardiola looks to improve his wide options following the sale of Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli and uncertainty surrounding the future of Cole Palmer.
The Algerian was directly involved in 28 goals in all competitions last campaign, and his exit, of course, means there are fewer options in attack now.Known for his world-class dribbling ability, Doku is a phenomenal young player who is set for a bright future.
He joined the Rennes back in 2020 for a club-record €26 million from Anderlecht. Since then, he has featured in 92 games for the club, registering 12 goals and ten assists. The Belgian winger had a promising campaign last season, where he netted seven goals and provided four assists in 35 games.
Jeremy Doku to Manchester City, here we go! Verbal agreement in place after new bid revealed here this morning — worth €60m package 🚨🔵 #MCFC
Medical tests being scheduled later this week, personal terms agreed on long term deal.
Exclusive story revealed August 1, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/fv1r6u2uO4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2023
The Rennes star has been linked with a Premier League move for several years after previously being close to Liverpool. With a little under two weeks to go until the transfer window closes, it seems multiple Premier League clubs are still keen to reinforce their squads for the season ahead. Tottenham, Manchester City, and West Ham are all keen on securing the 21-year-old’s signature.
The Independent recently reported that West Ham are more advanced in their pursuit and “already have an offer in”. But they fell short of the French side’s asking price. It is believed the Hammers’ ability to offer Doku regular first-team football could be an advantage.
However, Manchester City have put forward assurances to entice the winger to compete at the very top level at Etihad instead. The Manchester giants have been confident about securing a deal for the youngster by the end of the week, with Doku viewed as a different profile of player to the club’s current wide options given his explosive pace and exhilarating dribbling.
All the parties have now sealed an agreement, with Doku set to arrive at the Etihad in a €60 million deal. Once the Premier League champions wrap this one up in the coming days, the winger will become their third signing of the summer window, after confirmed deals for Croatian internationals Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.
