- Manchester City pursuing Jeremy Doku from Rennes after Mahrez’s sale, both parties agree on personal terms and potential fee
- Young Belgian winger Doku, sought by top European clubs, chooses Man City, possibly breaking Rennes’ transfer record; manager hints departure
Manchester City were in talks with Rennes in France about signing winger Jeremy Doku.
After selling Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for £30 million, City were looking for another forward, and Doku has emerged as a strong contender to replace the Algerian.
Despite receiving interest from several top European clubs following a breakout season in France’s Ligue 1, the rising Belgian star informed Rennes that he only wanted to join the English Premier League champions this summer.
Doku and City have already agreed on personal terms on a five-year contract, with the club verbally indicating that they are willing to meet Rennes’ asking price of around €60 million (£51.4 million) for the talented youngster. Rennes’ previous club transfer records would be shattered.
The Belgian was absent from Rennes’ weekend draw with RC Lens, prompting manager Bruno Genesio to suggest Doku could be leaving the club soon.
If he didn’t start [this week], even though he was our best player last week, I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions, Genesio told reporters.
Doku, who is only 21 years old, is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young wingers. He has displayed an electric pace and deft dribbling ability since joining Rennes from Anderlecht in 2020. On the right flank, Man City sees him as an ideal replacement for veteran winger Riyad Mahrez.