Barca told they can't afford Rennes wing wizard Doku

Robin Bairner

21 Nov 2021 03:52 CST
3 min read

Rennes winger Jeremy Doku playing for Belgium against Italy at Euro 2020 — © ProShots

Jeremy Doku’s father has played down the possibility of his son moving to Barcelona from Rennes, despite reports suggesting that the Camp Nou side are interested.

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Prodigious young winger Doku has spent much of the season laid up because of injury, though he returned to action on Saturday as Rennes moved second in Ligue 1 with a 2-0 win over Montpellier.

The 19-year-old also caught the eye with his dashing performances on the left flank for Belgium at Euro 2020.

As such, Doku has been linked to a host of big clubs, with Mundo Deportivo suggesting interest from Barca.

Also linked with the Camp Nou side were Manchester City’s Ferran Torres and Red Bull Salzburg attacker Karim Adeyemi, another young target.

Papa Doku, though, has poured scorn on the suggestion that his son might be making the move to play under Xavi.

That doesn’t seem right to me. I don’t think Barcelona are in a position to spend big transfer fees right now

- Papa Doku

“That doesn’t seem right to me. I don’t think Barcelona are in a position to spend big transfer fees right now,” he told HLN.

“There are many other clubs who want Jeremy, but I can’t say anything about that.”

Meanwhile, Doku’s father says that no deal is inevitable for a player rated around €40-50 million by Rennes.

“I don’t think he wants a move just yet, but in football everything can change quickly. It depends on which team is interested,” he added.

Doku at Rennes

Rennes reveal offer that will make them sell Liverpool target Doku — © ProShots

While Doku has shown a great deal of potential since moving to Rennes in 2020, catching the eye with his low centre of gravity and his dribbling ability, there remain question marks over his decisiveness.

In 42 matches for the Ligue 1 side, he has managed only two goals and four assists. However, he had looked significantly more comfortable in vital areas after picking up some confidence at the start of 2021.

Nevertheless, Doku has not shown enough for a cash-strapped side such as Barcelona to invest €40m to sign him from Rennes.