Manchester City is getting close to making an exhilarating and crucial acquisition.
Jeremy Doku’s deal has been agreed upon for £55.5 million with Rennes, and if all goes according to plan, the winger should be acquired in time to play against Sheffield United this weekend.
After a modest injury problem to start the season, City was in rather dire need of some fresh hires. For the remainder of the year, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, and Bernardo Silva are all out, and Bernardo Silva was also injured in Saturday’s victory over Newcastle. Pep Guardiola had few choices for the game as Joao Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte were edging closer to leaving.
Due to the exceptional caliber of the team he has put together, despite the turmoil, his team gave their greatest performance in quite some time, which should have led to a bigger victory than 1-0. But the bench raised suspicions.
Only 38 games were started by the seven substitutes last season, and 22 of those were started by Nathan Ake. 16 goals overall came in the games after City won the Premier League, with 10 coming from Rico Lewis. Cole Palmer and Oscar Bobb weren’t on the starting lineup, and Kalvin Phillips is still not a favorite.
It was obvious reinforcements were needed and Guardiola came close to admitting as much after the match: “We will need everyone with this schedule and calendar. Over the next one or two [weeks] the club has to make some important decisions with the squad. We didn’t expect with Kevin and we didn’t expect with Riyad to leave but I have a feeling we’ve spoken about that.
“We are who we are. A lot of young players on the bench and that’s the difference. Okay, we are a few people – the guys who want to be here are here and let’s try and do it.”
Doku’s prompt presence must therefore be welcomed as the manager recovers from back surgery. While the addition is positive for Phil Foden, who now undoubtedly has a clear path to the lead role he wants, it raises more concerns for Palmer’s future.
The club holds the young attacker in the same regard as Foden, but last season was challenging for him since injuries hampered his progress. He now has the appearance of a player eager to make up for lost time.
It started with a strong performance in England’s successful U21 European Championship campaign—during which he played a particularly important role in the semifinal and final—continued through preseason, and is now continuing into the actual campaign. He has scored twice in his two starts.
Even though they were challenging games in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup against Arsenal and Sevilla, respectively, he seized the chance when it was presented to him. His goals were terrific, including a header that was well placed and a bending drive that was reminiscent of Riyad Mahrez. His performance in Athens was particularly exciting.
Palmer’s future in the City, despite his talent and his strong performances, is still uncertain. when Sevilla’s victory, Guardiola acknowledged he had no idea if the player would remain with the team when the transfer window closed.
Guardiola remarked, “I don’t know [whether he will stay]. “When we first arrived, I thought he wanted to leave, but now I’m not sure.
“I don’t believe a loan will be granted. He will either remain or will be sold.
Palmer obviously wants time to make sure his growth happens at the proper rate. He might find them at City. He is taking a chance since there are vacancies in attacking positions as a result of Mahrez’s departure and De Bruyne’s injury. However, it is obvious that Kyle Walker is ahead of him in the lineup because of how he played against Newcastle.
Palmer can play a variety of positions thanks to his versatility, but his best performance has come at right wing, which is also where Doku plays. Spending a lot of money on a player in the same position is not necessarily the best sign that he will get playing time.
But if Foden is moved to the midfield, Jack Grealish, Bernardo, Doku, and Palmer would be the only wingers for City this season, and with such a demanding season, chances are certain to arise. Palmer doesn’t have much time left to decide, either way.