Liverpool fans may be looking for a direct replacement for Sadio Mane out wide after the Senegalese international left for Bayern Munich on Wednesday. And Liverpool have already considered a direct replacement in the form of Jeremy Doku, who has hinted that he will play in the Premier League in the not-too-distant future.
Doku, 20, drew attention at Euro 2020 for his thrilling performances in Belgium’s team, which lost to Italy in the quarterfinals. The Rennes winger has been on the radar of Europe’s top clubs for some time, and a move away from the Ligue 1 club does not appear too far away.
Doku has previously been linked to Liverpool, having visited the club’s facilities as a 15-year-old, with his energetic, pacy style fitting into the profile of player Jurgen Klopp prefers in an attacker. And, with the prodigy previously admitting his desire for a move to the Premier League, Liverpool may have already found their heir to Mane’s throne.
“I want to do everything in my power to become one of the best players in the world, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, preferably in the English Premier League.” And I’m working hard to achieve that,” Doku told RTBF. Doku, who appears to have an energetic, fast-paced style, could be the heir to the Senegal hero’s throne.
After winning every major trophy possible under Klopp since his £32 million move from Southampton in 2016, the former Southampton star has established himself as a Liverpool legend. Luis Diaz is his immediate replacement, but with Mohamed Salah’s contract expiring next summer and Diogo Jota’s deadliness upfront meaning he rarely plays out wide, the Reds are likely to need another winger to step into the squad.
Doku, a 15-year-old wonderkid, reportedly visited Melwood in 2018 as a 15-year-old wonderkid, according to Het Nieuwsblad. Doku’s father, David, told the same newspaper at the time: “Liverpool was my top choice. Damn, how we were received there. Jeremy, according to Klopp, is a potential successor to Sadio Mane.”
Doku, who is still only 20, may factor into Klopp’s thinking as a long-term option out wide for Liverpool. If the opportunity arises this summer, Merseyside transfer chiefs may decide to make a move for the Belgian if the price is right.
Meanwhile, Mane has revealed why he chose Bayern over any other club. “I was immediately excited when my agent told me about Bayern’s interest,” Mane told Bild. “I immediately recognized myself there.” It was the right club at the right time for me.
“It’s one of the world’s biggest clubs, and the team is always fighting for every title.” So coming here was a very good idea and the right decision for me. My agent informed me that other clubs had made inquiries. That’s part of the job.
“But I knew right away when Bayern presented their plan to me.” I was more involved in Bayern’s plan than anyone else.”
And if Doku is indeed Premier League bound, he could be in Liverpool’s plans. Given their other attacking options at the moment, it may depend on how much he costs.
