Investment for the future – Would this 17-year-old Belgian starlet be a good signing for Liverpool?

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Liverpool must go for Anderlecht teenager Jeremy Doku

According to Het Nieuwsblad (h/t The Metro), Liverpool are set to renew their interest in Anderlecht teenager Jeremy Doku this summer.

Jeremy Doku, 17, burst on to the scene last season when he played five top-flight games for Anderlecht and has made a further 24 first-team appearances so far in the 2019/20 season. He has been a regular in Anderlecht’s starting XI since December, scoring 8 goals and registering 3 assists in 27 games so far.

Anderlecht's Jeremy Doku pictured during a soccer match between Waasland-Beveren and RSC Anderlecht, Saturday 29 February 2020 in Beveren, on day 28 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. (Getty Images)
Anderlecht’s Jeremy Doku pictured during a soccer match between Waasland-Beveren and RSC Anderlecht, Saturday 29 February 2020 in Beveren, on day 28 of the ‘Jupiler Pro League’ Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. (Getty Images)

The 17-year-old forward travelled to the club’s Melwood training ground in 2018 and met with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp but the deal fell through when Liverpool thought the player had already signed for Chelsea. (h/t The Metro) Later, the teenager went on to sign a contract with Anderlecht and he recently extended his deal until 2022.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have had a couple of disappointing weeks of late as they were eliminated from the FA Cup and the Champions League. The Reds crashed out of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after a heroic display from Jan Oblak, who made nine saves at Anfield before Marcos Llorente scored twice and Alvaro Morata netted once in extra-time.

But this is no ordinary year. Liverpool are on the brink of winning the league title for the first time since 1990. They are just two wins away from lifting the Premier League title. Having said that, Jurgen Klopp must start planning for next season.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on the touchline. (Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on the touchline. (Getty Images)

The Reds signed only four players over the last two transfer windows, with Takumi Minamino being the notable addition. Minamino, 25, signed from Red Bull Salzburg in January, is yet to make an impression in England having made four appearances for the Merseyside outfit so far.

However, if Liverpool are to become a dominant force in Europe for a prolonged period of time, Klopp needs to bring in a few quality players this summer.

Jeremy Doku would be a good fit at Anfield. He has been at Anderlecht since the age of 10, making the switch to Brussels from first club Beerschot. The 17-year-old has proven himself capable of playing on either flank this season and has played for Belgium up to Under-21 level despite his tender age.

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Liverpool
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates with Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino after scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on February 01, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

Klopp has promoted young talents and academy products ever since he arrived at Anfield. The rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are stark reminders, while the emergence of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott this term has made Liverpool a place where young talents will be nurtured. That should be enough to suggest Doku will fall under the right guidance if a move to Liverpool goes through.

Verdict

Doku is an immensely talented player with huge potential. He is capable of going far in his career, given he keeps improving his good form and with Liverpool, he can take his game to the next level. And the Belgian, who is just 17, can be seen as an investment for the future.