Manchester City Secure Doku’s Future While Holding Firm Over Barcelona’s Rodri Pursuit

• Jeremy Doku has signed a five-year contract extension with Manchester City on Thursday
• Manchester City rejected Barcelona’s second offer for Rodri Hernández as the clubs remained apart on valuation
• City were asking for a fixed fee of £70m, €82 million, while Barcelona did not want to go beyond €65 million

Doku Commits To Manchester City Until At Least 2031

Manchester City strengthened their long-term plans on Thursday as winger Jeremy Doku has signed a five-year contract extension with the Premier League club.

The 24-year-old has become one of the division’s most explosive forwards since arriving from French side Rennes in 2023. During his time at City, he has produced 22 goals and 34 assists in 131 appearances, contributing to a trophy haul that includes the Premier League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup and the League Cup.

We're delighted to announce that Jérémy Doku has extended his contract at City until 2031 🩵

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 13, 2026

Doku has also built a significant international profile, earning 48 caps for Belgium and representing his country at the recent World Cup.

Maresca Era Begins With A Key Attacking Asset Secured

The new agreement keeps Doku in Manchester until at least 2031, providing an important lift for new City manager Enzo Maresca before the Premier League campaign begins on August 21st.

Maresca has taken over at the Etihad Stadium after replacing Pep Guardiola, and Doku said the Italian’s approach to football played a major role in his decision to extend his stay.

“I have loved my time at City so far, so to have the opportunity to stay for longer is a fantastic feeling,” Doku said.

“This club means so much to me – I have developed as both a player and a person. I feel settled here, and I know I am improving every day because of the work the staff here do.

“With Enzo here now I am really excited about the new season. His style of football is the kind we love, so that’s exciting for the players.”

City director of football Hugo Viana added: “Jeremy is a huge talent whose improvement since joining us in 2023 is clear for all to see.

“He has a special dynamic. He has the right characteristics for what we are looking for in a winger. He really does bring a special quality to our team.

“He deserves this new deal, and I know he will continue his improvement in the coming months and years.”

Barcelona’s Rodri Chase Stalls Over Transfer Fee

While City have secured Doku’s future, discussions involving midfielder Rodri Hernández and FC Barcelona have not reached an agreement on price.

The proposed move from Manchester City to Barcelona has taken longer than some expected. Although the midfielder and Barcelona had a full agreement, and one week after it was reported that Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid, City have continued to stand by their valuation and rejected a second Barcelona bid.

According to Daily Star, City wanted a fixed fee of £70m, €82 million, but Barcelona did not want to increase their offer beyond £55m, €65 million. An opening proposal of €45 million plus add-ons was turned down, before Barcelona returned with a second bid of €55m plus up to 10 million in bonus, which City also rejected.

Transfer Figures And Key Data

Enzo Fernández Link Adds Context To City’s Rodri Valuation

The reported reason behind City’s high price for Rodri was linked to replacement planning. Manchester City had contacted Chelsea regarding Enzo Fernández, who would be a potential replacement for Rodri, but Chelsea did not want to sell the player for less than €140 million.