Romelu Lukaku reacts to Man City star Jeremy Doku’s announcement: ‘The time has come’
Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku’s message has created reaction from team mates including his Belgian compatriot Romelu Lukaku.
Doku joined City in 2023 from Rennes in a £55.4million deal, and the winger has had mixed fortunes in his time at the Etihad.
The Belgian won the Premier League and Club World Cup in his first season in Manchester.
However, it was a trophyless campaign for City last time out with an injury to star midfielder Rodri a key blow as they finished third in the Premier League table.
Doku to share journey with supporters
Pep Guardiola has been active in the market this summer and in January to compensate for the loss of Rodri.
The 29-year-old though made his comeback in the Club World Cup and the Spaniard should be ready for the start of the new Premier League campaign.
His team mate Doku is also preparing for the season with his latest Instagram post sharing news with followers that he will be launching his own YouTube series to document his life in six episodes.
Doku’s international team mate and now Napoli striker Lukaku liked the post.
Guardiola requires more if City to return to glory
Football Insider Verdict
The fitness of Rodri was one positive to come out of City’s Club World Cup campaign.
Guardiola’s side fell short of their target to win the competition following a 4-3 defeat after extra-time to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Ahead of the new season though, Guardiola needs more impact from players like Doku if his side are to return to their trophy laden ways.
Doku is a natural winger and has the pace to hurt defences, but his final product often lets him down.
| Appearances | 84 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 20 |
Competition will increase next season following the arrival of Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
Phil Foden’s form also dropped off last season following a tremendous 2023/24 campaign and 21-year-old Savinho is still settling into life in Manchester.
Omar Marmoush has made a positive impact since his January arrival, but City can’t just rely on him and Erling Haaland to score the goals every week.
Despite their struggles last season, City only finished 13 points off leaders Liverpool so their is hope that if new signings can hit the ground running and players like Doku step up, they could return to the top of the pack again very soon.