Fresh from the treble-winning season, Manchester City are already looking towards the future. Following the departure of Riyad Mahrez, the club are looking for a replacement. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Sky Blues have added Jeremy Doku to their shortlist for the Algerian’s replacement.
Manchester City Set Their Sights on Jeremy Doku
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City now add Jeremy Doku to the list to replace Riyad Mahrez as new winger 🚨🔵 #MCFC
Alongside Michael Olise (who’s in both City and Chelsea lists), Doku is one of the priority names being considered by Man City. pic.twitter.com/79NG2fiENm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2023
Mahrez’s Time at the Etihad Stadium
The 32-year-old left the English champions this summer to move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. The former Leicester City superstar spent five illustrious years in Manchester and played a crucial role in the club’s success.
Read More: Manchester City Agree World-Record Transfer Fee for ‘Incredible’ Defender
In his time with the club, the tricky winger scored 78 goals and assisted 59 more, coming up with some important goals at crucial times. His departure leaves a void in the right-wing position for Pep Guardiola’s side, an issue they are looking to address this summer.
Jeremy Doku a Priority Target
According to Romano, Doku is one of the priority names discussed by the Manchester club’s management. The lightning-fast right-winger is the second reported name in the European champions’ shortlist with Michael Olise of Crystal Palace another name being discussed.
The Palace winger is also a target for Premier League rivals, Chelsea as they look to bolster their attack. Last Word on Football exclusively reported that the London club is preparing a bid for the England-born player and it could be sent soon. This makes Doku a more realistic target for the Citizens.
Watch: How Will Pep Guardiola Help Manchester City Defend the Treble?
Who is Jeremy Doku?
The 21-year-old winger is a highly promising talent currently plying his trade in the French League for Stade Rennais. He joined the Ligue 1 club in 2020, becoming their most expensive acquisition at the time. He saw a meteoric rise last season with his standout displays in the wide positions.
The talented winger played 35 times in all competitions, scoring seven times and providing four assists. His fantastic performances in France have led to many outlets describing the youngster as a “mercurial talent”, with his blazing pace earning him the nickname of the ‘Belgian Flash’.
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The 2002-born player is blistering fast and has an explosive burst of pace which helps. His pace combined with his trickery and natural dribbling abilities make him a nightmare for a defender. He also possesses a wide passing range and a fantastic vision to pick out his teammates.
This trait is crucial for a player who wants to play under the managership of Pep Guardiola. Versatility is another aspect of the former Anderlecht winger’s play. He is primarily a right-winger but can also deputize on the left-hand side of the attack.
