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As the summer transfer window deadline draws closer, transfer rumours are appearing out of nowhere, much like a Randy Orton RKO would. This time, the story involves Liverpool fan sites reaching out to Belgian journalists.
An initial report by Voetbal24 reported that the 19-year-old Belgian would cost €45million (£38.1m) and was on his way to “a European superpower”. Now, this probably isn’t the first time you’ve seen Doku’s name, as the winger was previously given a tour of Melwood. The player decided to stay at Anderlecht.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has now gone on the record that it will take €50million (£43.2m) to pry Doku away from Rennes this summer.
· "I can confirm Liverpool are targeting Doku and that if everything goes well, they will go further with Rennes. They are already in touch with their sports agency regarding him but they need to make space (by selling players) before making an offer"
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) August 11, 2021
Source: @sachatavolieri pic.twitter.com/k31tSnD9UF
This journalist was also reportedly the first to report on Chelsea’s interest in Romelu Lukaku and is considered an expert on all things Belgian football.
Now, the need for Liverpool to move players on before signing anyone has been mentioned quite a bit lately and adds up. And Liverpool certainly has a history of going back for targets they’ve tracked for a long time. However, the club handing over approximately £40m for a teenager whose lone season (2 goals, 3 assists) in Ligue 1 didn’t exactly set the world on fire seems... a little excessive to me.