Manchester City have finalized the acquisition of Jeremy Baffour Doku from Stade Rennais, securing his services on a five-year contract.
The 21-year-old winger, of Belgian-Ghanaian origin, is now the third addition to the roster of the reigning European champions, having completed a €65 million transfer on Thursday.
“This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally,” Doku said.
“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.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain expressed his own delight at Doku’s arrival at the Etihad.
“Jeremy is a very exciting young player and I’m so pleased he’s joining us.
“In terms of raw attributes, he has everything a winger needs. He has outstanding pace and he is exceptional in one-on-one situations.
“I honestly believe working with Pep and the technical staff here at City will see him develop into a world-class attacking talent.”
Following in the footsteps of Croatian talents Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, who joined the triumphant treble-winning team earlier this summer, Doku is poised to make his mark at Manchester City.
Doku has emerged as a prominent figure among the pool of young, promising wingers in European football, renowned for his dynamic performances on the flanks.
He boasts 14 senior caps for the Belgium national team, having contributed two goals to their campaigns.
Initiating his senior career in his homeland with RSC Anderlecht, Doku debuted for the first team at the age of just 16 in 2018. Over time, he accumulated 37 senior appearances for the club, finding the net six times.
Subsequently, Doku’s trajectory led him to Stade Rennais in October 2020, where he rapidly gained recognition as one of the emerging talents in Europe’s top leagues. His electrifying speed, mesmerizing dribbling prowess, and exceptional technical skill have contributed to his growing reputation.
During his time at Stade Rennais, Doku accumulated 92 appearances across various competitions, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists.
Doku had the privilege of representing Belgium at both the 2020 European Championship and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Doku comes from Ghanaian heritage. He is the second child of parents David and Belinda and has one older brother and two younger sisters. His father, David, has a background in athletics, while his brother Jefferson was once part of Anderlecht’s youth academy.