Revealed: The possible shirt numbers for imminent Manchester City signing Jeremy Doku

Manchester City are set to complete the signing of Jeremy Doku for a reported £55 million in the coming days, but what shirt numbers could be available to the Sky Blues’ third summer signing?

The 21-year-old, who was also a reported transfer target for West Ham United this summer, is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium later this week, following the completion of a medical.

Jeremy Doku is set to travel to the North-West after Manchester City agreed a fee in the region of £55 million with Stade Rennais, with the Belgian international becoming Pep Guardiola’s third signing of the summer transfer window.

The winger replaces Riyad Mahrez at the Etihad Stadium, after the Algerian icon left Manchester City for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for a reported £30 million after a sensational spell at the club.

RSC Anderlecht are set to profit from 20% of the agreed transfer fee that is above what they sold the player for back in October 2020.

Doku, who scored seven goals and registered four assists in 35 appearances last season, was absent from the Rennes squad for their 1-1 draw against Lens on Sunday, despite netting during a 5-1 win over Metz one week earlier.

Manchester City travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon, and should the club want Doku to make his debut against newly-promoted Sheffield United, then the deal will need to be completed by midday on Friday afternoon.

Upon signing for the treble-winners, the 21-year-old will have at least 10 shirt numbers to choose from, however the number 10 shirt – which he currently holds at Rennes – is unavailable, as it is occupied by Jack Grealish.

Squad numbers 1, 11, 12, 15, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 are all currently vacant, and given the uncertainty and expected departures surrounding Joao Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte, the numbers 7 and 14 are also set to become available in the coming weeks.

The number 23 shirt number was retired by Manchester City in 2003 as a mark of respect to the late midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe.

Mateo Kovacic, who signed from Chelsea for £25 million earlier in the window, selected the number 8 shirt, previously held by the outgoing club captain Ilkay Gundogan, who moved to Barcelona on a free transfer after seven years at the club.

Meanwhile fellow Croatian international Josko Gvardiol chose to wear the number 24 shirt, following on from the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, John Stones, Nedum Onuoha, and Patrick Vieira.

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