Jeremy Doku has been tipped to reach the level of Vinicius Junior and Luis Diaz, with the Manchester City winger encouraged to improve his goal-scoring output as uncertainty over the club’s financial charges fuels transfer speculation. The Belgium international has already established himself under Pep Guardiola, but former Belgian international Albert believes there is still room for improvement as Doku looks to become one of the best wingers in world football.
Key Highlights
Doku joined Manchester City for £55 million from Rennes in 2023 after attracting interest from leading European clubs.
Former Belgium international Albert believes Doku has the quality to compete with Vinicius Junior and Luis Diaz.
Doku wants to score more simple goals, believing improved finishing could help him become the world’s best winger.
Manchester City’s 114 financial charges have fuelled speculation about Doku’s future, with potential destinations for 2027 already being discussed.
Doku’s Journey From Anderlecht to Manchester City
Doku built his reputation on explosive pace, direct dribbling and the ability to trouble opposition full-backs. His technical skills and low centre of gravity allow him to beat defenders and drive into dangerous areas in the final third. He first attracted attention during his breakthrough at Anderlecht in Belgium before Rennes signed him in 2020.
Over three seasons in France, his attacking contributions continued to improve, attracting interest from several of Europe’s leading clubs. Manchester City eventually secured his signature for £55 million ($74 million) in 2023, bringing him into Guardiola’s demanding system.
Although Doku was not an automatic starter during the early stages of his City career, he gradually earned a more regular role. He has since been part of teams that won the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Community Shield and FIFA Club World Cup.
Can Doku Match Vinicius Junior and Luis Diaz?
Despite his impressive dribbling ability, Doku has yet to score double-digit goals in a single campaign. Improving that return could be crucial if he wants to compete with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz, who have regularly combined goals with strong assist numbers.
Former Belgium international Albert believes Doku has the talent to reach that level, having recognised his potential during his early days at Anderlecht. However, he pointed to the winger’s tendency to hold onto the ball for too long as an area that still needs work.
Albert also credited Guardiola with helping Doku develop further at Manchester City. While the winger faced a difficult World Cup with Belgium after returning home for the birth of his child, Albert believes his club form will remain key to his international prospects. If Doku stays fit and performs consistently for City, Albert expects him to remain in contention for a place in the team.
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Doku Targets More Goals to Become the World’s Best
Doku is also aware that he needs to become more productive in front of goal. Speaking to The Guardian in April, he explained that his dribbling and assist numbers were not enough on their own to put him among the world’s elite wingers.
The Belgian wants to improve his positioning in the penalty area and score more straightforward goals, including tap-ins, rather than relying primarily on goals created through individual dribbles.
He believes adding even five simple goals per season could make a significant difference to his overall output. For Doku, becoming a more complete scorer is an important step towards achieving his ambition of being recognised as the best winger in the world.
Man City’s Financial Charges Fuel Transfer Speculation
Doku’s development comes amid uncertainty surrounding Manchester City’s ongoing financial case. The club faces 114 financial charges, with potential sanctions continuing to generate discussion about its future. Speculation has included the possibility of a points deduction severe enough to threaten City’s Premier League status, although the outcome and any punishment remain uncertain.
With a potential move in 2027 already being discussed, Doku’s long-term future could become a talking point if the situation develops. At this stage of his career, a move to second-tier football would be an unwelcome prospect, making City’s situation another factor to watch alongside his progress on the pitch.