Back in the summer of 2023, all signs pointed to Belgian winger Jeremy Doku joining Liverpool's ranks. Football superstar Kylian Mbappe even sang his praises, yet Doku eventually signed with Manchester City in August 2023.
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp were tantalisingly close to snapping up the Belgian sensation, only to be outmanoeuvred by their heavyweight rivals. French outlets reported prior to Doku's Premier League bow that Klopp was remarkably keen on the midfielder, who had enjoyed a phenomenal stint at Rennes, drawing the admiration of esteemed ex-PSG frontman Mbappe, now dazzling for 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 had declared back in June 2021, asserting, "In five years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power."
At Rennes, Doku had chalked up his most impactful season, pivotal in leading the French club to a laudable fourth-place Ligue 1 finish and Europa League qualification. He amassed 12 goals across 92 appearances after embarking on his professional journey with Anderlecht.
Klopp's desire to capture the dynamic youngster, now aged 23, was peaking, marking another chapter in Liverpool's pursuit since Doku and his father toured the Reds' training ground in 2017 for an extensive visit.
In a 2020 interview with Het Nieuwsblad, David, the father of winger Jeremy Doku, recounted Liverpool's impressive courtship efforts. "Klopp explained how he saw a potential successor in Jeremy," he said.
David also shared details of their visit to Liverpool's training ground: "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!".
Despite the allure of Liverpool, Doku felt it was too soon for such a big leap. In 2021, he told 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."
As Liverpool eyed Doku, Manchester City entered the fray, bolstered by praise from Kevin De Bruyne, who spoke highly of Doku when Guardiola took an interest. De Bruyne lauded the youngster after his first international goal: "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."
Ultimately, City won the race, securing Doku on a five-year deal. Upon signing, Doku expressed his joy: "This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally," at his unveiling at the Etihad Stadium.
"City are the best team in world football, so joining them is special."
Amidst any foregone chances, one would find it hard to theorise that the Belgian harbours any remorse over his choice. In his debut season under Guardiola, Doku was pivotal in clinching the Premier League title and the FIFA Club World Cup, boasting 13 goals in 82 appearances for the Citizens to his name.