Manchester City have secured the long-term future of Belgian international of Ghanaian descent Jeremy Doku ahead of the new campaign.
The pacey winger has penned a contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031 and is expected to play a huge role for the club.
Doku has established himself as an important attacking option since joining Manchester City, offering the team pace, direct running and the ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
The 24-year-old’s decision to extend his stay also underlines his satisfaction with life at the club and his belief in the direction Manchester City are taking as they begin a new chapter.
Speaking after signing the new deal, Doku expressed his happiness at being given the opportunity to continue his career with the English giants.
“I’ve enjoyed my time in the team so far, so to have the opportunity to stay longer is a great feeling,” Doku said.
Since joining Manchester City, Doku has gradually become an important part of the club’s attacking options, particularly because of his ability to provide width, stretch defensive lines and create opportunities through individual brilliance.
His new contract until 2031 gives the club long-term security over one of its most dynamic attacking players while giving Doku the stability to continue developing at the highest level.
The timing of the extension is also significant, with Manchester City preparing for their opening competitive test of the new campaign against Arsenal in the English Community Shield.
The two Premier League heavyweights are scheduled to meet at Cardiff Stadium on Sunday, with victory crucial to lifting the trophy ahead of the new season.
The fixture will provide Doku and his teammates with an early opportunity to compete for silverware and offer supporters their first major glimpse of the team under Maresca.
For Doku, the contract extension marks a strong show of faith in Manchester City’s project and provides him with the opportunity to continue pursuing major honours with the club.
With his future now secured until 2031, the Belgian winger can turn his full attention towards helping Manchester City succeed under their new coach and beginning another chapter in the club’s history.