Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract, tying him to the club until 2031 and further cementing the squad's stability ahead of the upcoming campaign. The Belgian becomes the fourth member of City's first-team squad to extend his stay this summer, joining Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol in committing his long-term future to the Etihad Stadium.
Doku had entered the final two years of his previous deal before agreeing to the extension, a move that reflects both the club's confidence in him and his own belief that the project under new head coach Enzo Maresca is heading in the right direction. Signed from Rennes for £55 million in 2023, the 23-year-old has developed into one of City's most exciting attacking weapons, and his willingness to sign fresh terms suggests he sees his best years ahead of him in sky blue.
Speaking about his decision to stay, Doku reflected on his journey since arriving in Manchester as a relatively unknown quantity. "It's a privilege. I am so happy that they trusted in me first of all and as well that I can continue to play for this big club," he said. "I remember when I arrived here from France a bit of an underdog. Nobody really knew me. I had to prove myself and being able now to sign a new contract shows that they trusted me and that they appreciate how I've been playing."
The winger also expressed genuine enthusiasm about working under Maresca, whose tactical approach he believes will bring out the best in his game. Having observed the Italian's methods during City's recent friendlies in South Korea, Doku is convinced the new manager's demand for aggressive, direct wing play aligns perfectly with his own strengths. "I'm very excited to work with Enzo. I've been watching the games, the friendly games in Korea, and the style of play is very attractive," he explained. "But already when he was in his previous clubs, I saw this style of play, and it really suits me with the wingers being very aggressive. He demands a lot of us offensively and that's how I like it. So, I'm very excited to work with him and I believe me signing a new contract shows also he's trust in me and that's good."
City's director of football, Hugo Viana, was equally pleased to confirm the extension, praising Doku's growth since his move from France and highlighting the unique qualities he brings to the team. "Jeremy is a huge talent whose improvement since joining us in 2023 is clear for all to see," Viana said. "He has a special dynamic. He has the right characteristics for what we are looking for in a winger. He really does bring a special quality to our team."
Viana also spoke highly of Doku's character off the pitch, describing him as a popular and dedicated figure within the club's dressing room. "Jeremy is also a fantastic person. He is someone loved across the club. His attitude is first class, and he wants to improve every single day," he added. "He deserves this new deal, and I know he will continue his improvement in the coming months and years."
With the addition of Doku's new contract to those of Foden, Khusanov and Gvardiol, Manchester City continue to build a settled and ambitious squad as they prepare for the challenges of the new season, having lifted the FA Cup last term and now aiming to reassert themselves domestically and in Europe under Maresca's guidance.
Based on reporting from Independent Football.