Back in summer 2023, it seemed everything was aligning for Belgian winger Jeremy Doku to sign with Liverpool.
The move was even hyped by the praise from football sensation Kylian Mbappe, but Doku ended up sealing a deal with Manchester City in August 2023. The Reds and Jurgen Klopp had been very close to landing the Belgian prodigy, if only they had managed to edge out their heavyweight competitors.
French media revealed before Doku's Premier League debut that Klopp was considerably interested in the midfielder, whose time at Rennes had been nothing short of sensational, catching the eye of renowned former PSG striker Mbappe, now of Real Madrid.
"Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is Doku, at Rennes," Mbappe said in June 2021. "In five years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power."
Doku had notched his most productive season thus far with Rennes, playing a key role in guiding the French outfit to a commendable fourth place in Ligue 1 and Europa League qualification. He scored 12 goals in his 92-game spell at the club after his initial foray into professional football at Belgian side Anderlecht.
Klopp's interest in the young prospect, now 23, was intensifying. This wasn't his first attempt to secure the player, as Doku and his father had already visited Liverpool's training grounds back in 2017 for a comprehensive tour.
Jeremy Doku of Manchester City is challenged by Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool
Doku turned down a move to Liverpool and later joined City (Image: Getty Images)
During an interview with Het Nieuwsblad in 2020, the winger's father, David, revealed the lengths Liverpool went to in order to impress them. "Klopp explained how he saw a potential successor in Jeremy," he disclosed.
"Steven Gerrard showed us videos with tactical analysis. At the training complex (Simon, former goalkeeper) Mignolet, (Sadio) Mane and (Gini) Wijnaldum came to talk to us. How we were received there – damn!"
However, that move came too early for Doku. In 2021, he conveyed to Het Nieuwsblad: "I did a lot of research first, wrote down all the positive points and only then did I make a decision. I knew that I first wanted to make an intermediate step. Going to a top club now would be too soon."
While Liverpool was vying for Doku, it seemed his transition to City might have been influenced by others behind the scenes. A significant endorsement came from his compatriot and City legend, Kevin De Bruyne, right when Guardiola started showing interest in the rising star.
Following Doku scoring his first goal on the international stage, De Bruyne praised him, stating: "He is nimble, fast and he can dribble. Of course, he sometimes makes a mistake, but who doesn't? He is a diamond in the rough."
City brushed its rivals aside and snapped up Doku on a five-year contract. "This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally," Doku beamed during his signing announcement at the Etihad Stadium.
"City are the best team in world football, so joining them is special."
Regardless of any missed opportunities, it's hard to believe the Belgian has any regrets about his decision. In his inaugural season with Guardiola's squad, Doku helped secure the Premier League crown and the FIFA Club World Cup. To date, he's netted 13 goals in 82 appearances for the Citizens.