In August, Manchester City secured the signature of talented Belgian winger Jeremy Doku in a €60 million deal from Rennes. The 21-year-old had been a subject of interest from several prominent clubs, including Barcelona, Napoli, and Aston Villa. However, Doku ultimately chose Manchester City, shedding light on the key factors that influenced his decision.
Doku made an immediate impact on the Premier League, debuting in City’s 5-1 victory over Fulham just before the international break. The decision to join the reigning Premier League champions was not without its contemplations, and two influential figures, Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne, played pivotal roles in persuading the young winger.
Speaking about his decision-making process, Doku emphasized the significance of his discussions with City’s sports director and coach. In particular, his conversation with Pep Guardiola left a lasting impression. Doku noted, “When the coach speaks to you, it’s not just anyone. He explains to you what the project is, that he trusts you, what you want to hear. I found him quite sincere.”
Kevin De Bruyne, a fellow Belgian international, also played a crucial part in Doku’s choice. De Bruyne, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, had a connection with Doku through their national team. Doku revealed that De Bruyne had been in contact with him when he heard rumors about the transfer. “He asked me for confirmation. They asked him for information about me,” Doku explained. De Bruyne’s positive endorsement of City evidently played a significant role in swaying the young winger’s decision.
Despite Doku’s impressive abilities, he notably turned down an offer from Liverpool to join Rennes in October 2020. At the time, he believed that Rennes would provide him with more playing time, a decision that appeared to pay off as he enjoyed a productive season, contributing seven goals and four assists across all competitions. However, his statistics indicate room for growth, with an average of five shot-creating actions per game last season. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, there is potential for Doku to further refine his game and become an even more prolific player for Manchester City.
In conclusion, Jeremy Doku’s decision to join Manchester City was influenced by personal conversations with Pep Guardiola and the endorsement of Kevin De Bruyne. The talented winger’s potential and room for improvement make him an exciting addition to City’s squad. As he continues to develop under Guardiola’s tutelage, fans can anticipate even more exceptional performances from this promising Belgian talent.
