LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: . corner flag in the stadium of West Ham United prior to the UEFA Europa Conference League group B match between West Ham United and RSC Anderlecht at London Stadium on October 13, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
West Ham United fail with opening bid to sign Jeremy Doku
West Ham United recently submitted an initial bid to sign Jeremy Doku, valued at €55 million by Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, West Ham United recently proposed the opening offer for Jeremy Doku. But the initial bid was not good enough, and they will need to raise their offer. Meanwhile, the Belgian winger has an agreement on personal terms with Manchester City. And Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais will demand €55 million to part ways with him.
Jeremy Doku has not set the stage alight with his performances during his professional career thus far. And he has also endured fitness issues during his ongoing stint with Stade Rennais. But the 21-year-old has been one of the most promising young prospects in Ligue 1 since arriving from Anderlecht in October 2020.
The Belgian winger has also been rising in stature for his national side in the last two years. And he has started the 2023/24 season strongly, scoring once in two Ligue 1 games thus far. But Doku’s long-term future is away from Stade Rennais, with Manchester City and West Ham United vying for his signature.
Recent reports have claimed that the Premier League champions have an agreement on personal terms with the young winger. But West Ham United will look to steal a march on Manchester City for Doku’s services. Meanwhile, Rennes will demand €55 million to part ways with the player.
The Ligue 1 club’s valuation might seem steep. But that is the price to pay for a prodigious young prospect in the current market. And after recouping a good chunk of money from Declan Rice’s sale, West Ham should be able to afford to pay €55 million to secure Doku’s services. But their first bid has not hit the spot for Rennes.
Negotiations between the two clubs continue, and the report suggests West Ham will return with a revised bid. But Manchester City might be in the pole position to sign the Belgian international from the Ligue 1 club. So West Ham might have an uphill task to secure his services.
The Hammers are eager to sign a winger amid reports suggesting Jarrod Bowen might play as a striker for much of the new season. So Doku can fill Bowen’s void on the right flank. But it will be interesting to see if West Ham will pay €55 million to beat Manchester City to his signature.
