Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a new contract agreement for Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, with journalist Fabrizio Romano describing the development as a major breakthrough in the club’s ongoing squad planning. The update comes as City move to secure one of their key attacking options for the future, and Romano states that a verbal agreement is already in place.
According to Romano’s breaking report, Manchester City and Doku have agreed on the main structure of the deal, and remaining details are expected to be finalised soon. The reported arrangement is a five-year contract, which indicates that the club is looking to tie the player down for an extended period rather than relying on a short-term extension.
A significant part of the agreement, as outlined in the report, is the salary increase for the winger. This suggests that City are prepared to reflect Doku’s value and impact with improved financial terms, aligning his compensation with the importance the club places on him within Pep Guardiola’s system and future attacking plans. The mention of both a long-term commitment and a wage rise underscores the confidence City have in his role moving forward.
Romano also indicates that Doku is set to sign soon. While the report frames the deal as nearly complete, it also makes clear that final formalities are still to be completed. This step-by-step process is typical in negotiations, where a verbal understanding and agreed framework precede the signing once documentation and specific conditions are settled.
The update further positions the timing of Doku’s agreement alongside the club’s recent contract business involving another prominent forward, Josko Gvardiol. Romano draws a direct comparison, stating that Doku’s signing is expected in the same way that Gvardiol’s situation has been handled. This parallel implies that City are following a coordinated approach to securing multiple players’ futures, potentially to stabilise the squad core and ensure continuity in their attacking and defensive plans.
For Manchester City supporters, the reported agreement is notable because Doku has been viewed as an influential option in the team’s forward line, particularly as a player capable of direct runs, creativity, and game-changing moments in high-pressure matches. Securing him on a long-term contract may also help City avoid uncertainty around his future, especially during transfer windows when the market can create external pressure on contract negotiations.
From a broader team management perspective, adding structure to Doku’s future may also assist City in planning squad rotations and development strategies. A five-year deal provides the club with stability and reduces the risk of needing to replace the winger in the short term. At the same time, the salary increase indicates the player’s standing has risen within City’s priorities, reflecting both performance and the club’s desire to keep their best attacking talents.
Romano’s wording frames the agreement as effectively completed in principle, with only the concluding steps left before the contract becomes official. That distinction matters: a verbal agreement is not the same as a signed document, but in professional negotiations it commonly signals that the main hurdles have already been cleared.
Overall, the news story points to a clear positive outcome for both parties. Manchester City appear ready to keep Jeremy Doku as a long-term fixture in their attacking plans, while Doku is set to benefit from the new contract’s improved duration and pay. With the report suggesting that signing will follow soon, the next phase will likely be the announcement of the official contract details once the paperwork and remaining elements are confirmed.
Source: Fabrizio Romano
Fabrizio Romano: 🚨🔵 BREAKING: Manchester City agree on new deal for Jeremy Doku. Verbal agreement in place with details to be finalised soon, five year deal and salary increased for Belgian winger. Doku, set to sign soon — same as Josko Gvardiol.. #breaking
— @FabrizioRomano May 1, 2026