According to Gazet van Antwerpen via TEAMtalk (h/t Football.london), Chelsea failed in an effort to sign Jeremy Doku in the summer.
The 18-year-old made a name for himself as a promising talent at Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht. Predominantly a right-winger, Doku is also adept at playing on the other flank.
The youngster was also scouted by Liverpool in the past. In fact, he came close to joining them in 2016. It is a testament to his potential that Jurgen Klopp saw him as a long-term successor to Sadio Mane.
Ironically, Doku’s move to Anfield failed due to a misunderstanding involving ‘Chelsea’. It would have been a funny story had we succeeded in landing him this summer.
Chelsea faced off against French side Rennes for the player’s signature. The Ligue 1 side got the last laugh as they landed him for €26m + bonuses.
Doku was in action for Rennes in the Champions League fixture at Stamford Bridge yesterday. He came on as a substitute and played 28 minutes in a lost cause for the French side.
It is fair to say that the youngster has yet to make an impact at Rennes. He has made six appearances since joining them and is yet to register a single goal or assist.
However, one positive he can garner is first-team action. The same could not have been possible at Chelsea. Especially so given the players at our disposal.
Playing regularly for the first-team should help Doku come to speed with what is required at the top level. Provided he progresses as expected, we can always return for him in the future.
After all, it wont be the first time we will have raided Rennes for a star.
Doku has represented Belgium Under-17s in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2018. Still only 17, he has gone on to make five appearances for the Under-21s and has scored one goal.
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