£55 million Manchester City star pocketed by 17-year-old in ‘amusing’ training ground incident

Teammates of Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku were left ‘amused’ by a recent training ground incident involving the Belgian international and academy star Rhys Thomas.

The 21-year-old, who joined Manchester City from Stade Rennes for £55.5 million in August on a five-year deal, is nearly at the end of his debut campaign under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

The Belgium international has made 36 appearances for the Sky Blues since completing a summer transfer to the Premier League, with Manchester City having beaten a number of fellow top-flight English clubs to the forward’s signature.

Doku made his debut against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium in September, and scored on his second start during a 1-3 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium one week later.

The attacker has been directly involved in 13 goals for the Blues so far this season, and has impressed as a substitute in recent fixtures against both Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup.

Doku was also on the scoresheet during this month’s Premier League win over Luton Town, netting during the 5-1 victory at the Etihad.

The 21-year-olds impressive performances have caused defenders across the Premier League and Europe recent issues, but the Daily Mail report a 17-year-old right-back at the City Football Academy has successfully managed to stop the Belgian winger.

Jack Gaughan reveals that teenage defender Rhys Thomas ‘amused’ members of the Guardiola’s squad during a recent training session, with the Under-18 Premier League full-back pocketing Doku, to the entertainment of teammates.

Thomas has made seven Under-18 Premier League appearances so far this season, with the 2006-born star hailed for his ‘excellent technical ability’ by the club.