English Premier League champions Manchester City have announced the signing of Belgian-born of Ghanaian descent Jeremy Doku from French Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennes in the ongoing transfer window.
Doku has joined the Etihad Stadium on a five-year contract worth €60 million after passing his medical tests earlier this week.
The 21-year-old Belgian winger becomes Manchester City's third signing of the summer transfer window, following in the footsteps of Croatian duo Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, who were acquired from Chelsea and RB Leipzig respectively earlier this summer.
The club's official statement reads “Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of Jeremy Doku from Stade Rennais on a five-year deal.”
“Comfortable operating on either flank, Doku has emerged as one of the most exciting and highly rated young wingers operating in the European game.”
“A Belgian international with 14 senior caps to his name so far, Doku has operated with distinction in both the Belgian and French top flights as well as boasting Champions League experience to boot as well.”
Doku, who was born to Ghanaian parents in Belgium, began his career at RSC Anderlecht making his first team debut for the Club in 2018 at the age of just 16 and going on to make 37 senior appearances in total, scoring six goals, before then joining Stade Rennais in the autumn of 2020.
Having made the move to French Ligue 1, Doku continued to prosper in the French topflight where his blistering pace, mesmeric dribbling skill, and excellent technical ability marking him out as one of Europe’s top emerging talents.
Despite series of injuries, Doku managed to make 92 appearances across all competitions for Stade Rennes, registering 12 goals and 10 assists.
“This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally,” Doku told the club's official website in an interview.
“Manchester City are the best team in world football, so to be joining them is something very special for me and my family.
“I am a young player with so much learning and improving to do. Working with Pep and his staff, and playing alongside these work-class players, will make me a much better player. I feel sure of that.
“Watching City last season was amazing. To win the Treble is the hardest thing in football and they did it. You cannot imagine how exciting it is to be joining this team.
“I cannot wait to get started. Hopefully I can make the fans happy.”
Doku, who was eligible to represent Ghana, earned his fist senior Belgium cap in 2020 and has subsequently gone on to win 14 caps to date, representing his country at both EURO 2020 and the 2022 World Cup finals.
