Jeremy Doku, a 19-year-old winger from Belgium, attracted the notice of Liverpool scouts despite Belgium’s 2-1 defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez made a risky decision, but it almost paid off when Doku earned his first meaningful start of the Euros in the quarter-finals.
The Rennes teen has previously only begun the Group B victory over Finland. He missed the first two victories over Russia and Denmark, as well as the last-16 victory over Portugal. But, in Munich, he took Eden Hazard’s spot on the left wing and excelled as the bright spark of Belgium’s attack in a tense match against Italy.
Doku looked to make something happen every time he had the ball, his typical jinking movement tormenting Italy’s right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo. To make it 2-1, he brought him down for a penalty. Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne had placed Italy two goals ahead at halftime, but Doku raced into the box and was shoved down shortly after Insigne’s spectacular shot. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku went up to convert the penalty kick, but it wasn’t enough to pull them back into the game.
Doku’s name was buzzing amongst Liverpool fans after the game, and with good cause. He has already turned down two moves to Anfield and is a long-term goal for the club. Doku and his family paid a visit to Melwood in 2018, and Steven Gerrard, Sadio Mane, Gini Wijnaldum, and Simon Mignolet were among those who greeted the precocious attacker.
Doku’s transfer from Anderlecht to Rennes cost around £23 million, and he made 37 appearances in his first season in France, scoring twice and assisting on another four goals. Doku is still in his early phases, having only turned 19 in May, but after catching the eye at the Euros, it wouldn’t be surprising if high-profile interest is reignited in the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether this leads to another Merseyside approach, but if Doku becomes available, Michael Edwards is certain to at least inquire. With Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Takumi Minamino all set to go this summer, Belgium’s next rising sensation might join Harvey Elliott as part of Liverpool’s attack’s next generation.
