Every young footballer faces a defining moment in their early career when a crucial choice can shape their future development.
Before Jeremy Doku became one of Europe’s most exciting wingers and secured a £55 million transfer from Rennes to Manchester City in 2023, his footballing journey began at Anderlecht, where he steadily climbed through the youth ranks.
It was during this period that Doku encountered a major career decision — one that involved declining a chance to learn under one of football’s most respected managers.
Doku made his senior debut for Anderlecht at the age of 16, but even before stepping onto the pitch for the Belgian club’s first team, he had attracted serious attention from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
“You could only sign a contract when you were 16,” Doku shared with FourFourTwo. “At 15, Anderlecht wanted me to sign, and many clubs were showing interest. I even went to visit Liverpool.”
“I spoke with Jurgen Klopp, with Sadio Mane, and in the end, the decision was mine to make.”
However, rather than moving abroad so young, Doku decided it would be wiser to stay in Belgium and continue his development at home.
“It didn’t feel right at that point,” he explained. “In England then, it wasn’t like now, where many young players get their chance in the first team and perform at a high level.”
“I thought I’d get into the first team faster at Anderlecht and build my career from there. If I performed well, they would come back for me one day.”
“That was my mindset, and I believe I made the right call.”
Doku also received advice from another Belgian talent who had faced a similar situation. Anderlecht arranged for their former striker Romelu Lukaku to send him a message explaining how starting his career in Brussels was beneficial for his growth.
“He sent me a video,” Doku recalled. “Some people say that’s the reason I stayed, but honestly, at that point, I didn’t need anyone to tell me what to do. Even at that young age, I already had a sense of direction guiding me.”
“Romelu gave me advice — my decision was already made, but his message confirmed it. The offer from Liverpool was financially better, but I was clear about my choice. I wanted to stay at Anderlecht, and here I am today.”
— Chris Flanagan, Senior Staff Writer
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