Savinho and Rico Lewis respond as Man City forward returns to his old club
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(Credit: Imago)
Jonathan Burnett
Mon 8 September 2025 15:49, UK
Jeremy Doku returned to “where it all started” for his career after playing his part in back-to-back victories for Belgium.
Manchester City‘s summer overhaul has been to Doku’s benefit so far, with Jack Grealish and James McAtee both being moved on to give the 22-year-old a clear starting berth on the left of their attack.
Doku was one of few players to impress in Man City’s 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham amid a stuttering start to the new season, but the winger could potentially face competition from new arrival Rayan Cherki.
Pep Guardiola left some scratching their heads by loaning Grealish to Everton in order to give Doku a free run at the starting left-wing role, but the international break has been a productive one for the Belgian.
Credit: Imago
Man City’s goals have dried up since their 4-0 win at Wolves on the Premier League‘s opening weekend with just one scored since, but Doku and Belgium have had no such issues during the international break.
Led by Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium recorded a 6-0 victory in Lichtenstein on 4 September and followed this up with another win by the same scoreline over Kazakhstan, with Doku at the double.
De Bruyne and Doku both scored braces with goals either side of half-time, and the Man City winger posted on Instagram after returning to the ground his career began at – RSC Anderlecht’s Lotto Park.
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In a message liked by City team-mates Savinho and Rico Lewis, Doku said: “Special moment to come back, after five years, to the stadium where it all started for me.
“Forever grateful for the journey I have been on and I give all glory to God”.
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Football Insider Verdict
Man City’s squad looks almost unrecognisable to the one which claimed an unprecedented treble little over two years ago, with senior figures like De Bruyne, Grealish, Kyle Walker and Ederson all heading out.
Gianluigi Donnarumma‘s arrival to replace Ederson threatens to stunt the development of James Trafford though, after Football Insider revealed that Donnarumma will be Man City’s first choice this season.
Such decisions are Guardiola‘s to make – like the one to loan out Grealish in favour of Doku – but if Man City’s early-season slump doesn’t show signs of slowing down, pressure and the unthinkable prospect of a sacking could be on the cards.