Transfer Centre

Manchester City keen on Jeremy Doku move?

By Carter White | 12 August 2023

Manchester City are reportedly in the advanced stages of a deal to bring Rennes winger Jeremy Doku to the Etihad Stadium, with the Citizens looking to replace Riyad Mahrez.

Manchester City have reportedly identified Rennes attacker Jeremy Doku as a replacement for the departed Riyad Mahrez in this summer's transfer window.

The 21-year-old enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career to date in 2022-23 in Ligue 1, scoring six goals and providing two assists as his side finished fourth in the French top flight.

Doku also has considerable international pedigree at a young age, having represented Belgium 14 times since making his debut for the Red Devils in August 2020.

The right winger has featured in 90 games for Rennes after making the switch from Belgian Pro League outfit Anderlecht in October 2020, scoring 11 goals in all competitions.

According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Man City are keen on bringing Doku to the Premier League to bolster their attacking ranks for the 2023-24 term.

Stade Rennes' Jeremy Doku walks off the pitch to be substituted after sustaining an injury as referee Eric Wattellier and Benjamin Bourigeaud look on on March 5, 2023 © Reuters

Pep Guardiola's Citizens achieved a historic treble last season, however some of the key cogs in their Champions League-winning team have now left the club.

Former club captain Ilkay Gundogan has moved to La Liga champions Barcelona, whilst ex-Leicester City man Mahrez departed for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Consequently, Guardiola is looking for replacements in what remains of this transfer window, and youngster Doku is said to be of interest for the European champions.

The report claims that a deal between Man City and Rennes is advanced, with the English side hoping that the transfer of the 21-year-old can be finalised as soon as possible.

It is understood that the Red and Blacks are aiming to earn between €50m (£43.18m) and €60m (£51.82m) from the sale of Doku, with manager Bruno Genesio looking to assemble a squad which can challenge for the Europa League this season.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after the match on August 11, 2023 © Reuters

With the player keen on a move to Guardiola's treble-winning City, it is believed that personal terms will not be a stumbling block, meaning it all depends on whether the two clubs can shake hands on a suitable fee.

Man City are also close to bringing in another exciting attacker, having reportedly agreed a six-year contract with West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazilian provided seven goal contributions in the Premier League for the Hammers last term, and the 25-year-old helped David Moyes's men to lift the Europa Conference League.

Man City will hope that some of their transfer targets are in the squad when they travel to Greece on Wednesday night to face Europa League winners Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.