Manchester City signs Belgian winger Jeremy Duques for $70 million
Manchester City strengthened its attacking options by signing Belgian winger Jeremy Doku from French club Rennes for 65 million euros ($70 million) on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Doku, who has agreed a five-year contract, became the England and European champions’ third signing in the summer transfer window after defender Josko Guardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
“Manchester City is the best team in world football, so joining them is something very special for me and my family,” Doku said. “I’m a young player, I have a lot of learning and improving to do. Working with Pep (Guardiola) and his staff, playing alongside these world-class players, will make me a much better player. I feel confident about that.”
Doku is the perfect replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who was sold to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahly team last month.
The departures of Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, who left on a free transfer to join Barcelona, have removed two of City’s top scorers behind Erling Haaland, while playmaker Kevin De Bruyne – Doku’s Belgium teammate – could miss the rest of 2023 with a hamstring injury. hamstrings .
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City have also been linked with the signing of another attacking midfielder in the final days of the transfer window.
Doku is a quick and skilful winger who has played for Rennes since 2020, when he joined from Anderlecht, and is considered a very talented, albeit inconsistent, player. He can play on both wings and could end up being an effective substitute, a role he usually plays for Belgium.
He played in the European Championships in 2021 and in the World Cup last year in Qatar.
“In terms of starting attributes, he has everything a winger needs. He has incredible pace and is exceptional in one-on-one situations,” said City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain. “I honestly think working with Pep and the coaching staff here at City will make him He is developing into a world class offensive talent.”
