"I have loved my time at City so far, so to have the opportunity to stay for longer is a fantastic feeling." Those words from Jérémy Doku, quoted by goal.com, sit at the centre of his new five-year deal with Manchester City. The extension keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, but the stronger story is why he wanted it: comfort at the club, faith in his own development and real excitement about what comes next.
Doku said he feels settled at City and believes he has grown there as both a player and a person. That makes this look less like simple contract housekeeping and more like a player deciding his current environment still fits him.
Doku's reasons for staying
Quoted by goal.com, Doku said: "I have loved my time at City so far, so to have the opportunity to stay for longer is a fantastic feeling. This club means so much to me – I have developed as both a player and a person. I feel settled here, and I know I am improving every day because of the work the staff here do."
That covers the two main drivers behind the extension. He is settled, and he feels the club is still pushing his game forward. Players do not always speak in those terms when a new deal is announced, but Doku's comments were specific enough to give this one a bit more weight.
He also tied the decision to Enzo Maresca's ideas for the side. In another quote carried by goal.com, Doku said: "With Enzo here now I am really excited about the new season. His style of football is the kind we love, so that’s exciting for the players."
There is a small gap in how publicly firm that situation is framed, so it is safer to stick with what the sources say: Maresca is the new figure Doku is talking about, and Doku clearly likes the direction. The winger's view is the relevant part here anyway. He believes the style suits the squad, and that clearly helped the mood around signing on.
The fans also came into it. Quoted by independent.co.uk, Doku said: "The City fans are also a huge reason I have signed this new contract. I feel their love and support, and it means the world to me. I want to focus of bringing them the success they deserve."
City's wider message this summer
The deal is not just about one player feeling at home. It is also part of a broader summer move by City to lock down key first-team talent. Doku is the fourth first-team player to agree a new deal this summer, after Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol.
That gives the extension a second meaning. City are keeping players they trust, and Doku still fits that group. Hugo Viana, quoted by goal.com, said: "Jeremy is a huge talent whose improvement since joining us in 2023 is clear for all to see. He has a special dynamic. He has the right characteristics for what we are looking for in a winger. He really does bring a special quality to our team."
That is a fair reading of where he stands in the squad. Doku joined City from Stade Rennais in 2023 and gave them output straight away, with over 40 appearances, six goals and 11 assists in his debut campaign. He then finished the 2024-25 season with eight goals and nine assists.
City are also still a convincing football argument for any player considering his future there. They finished second in the Premier League last season with 78 points and a +42 goal difference. That does not need overselling: even in a season short of first place, it remains an elite setting for a winger in his early peak years.
Doku's recent average rating of 6.72 across his last five matches is solid rather than spectacular, so this renewal is not built on a last-minute hot streak. It is built on how the club view him, how he sees his role, and how strongly both sides still believe there is more to come by 2031.
FAQ
Why did Jeremy Doku sign a new contract with Manchester City?
Doku said he has loved his time at Manchester City, feels settled there and believes he is improving every day because of the work done by the staff. He also said the fans' support was a huge reason behind the decision to extend his stay.
What did Jeremy Doku say about Enzo Maresca after signing his new deal?
Doku said he is really excited about the new season with Enzo Maresca involved and described his style of football as the kind City's players love. The article avoids presenting Maresca as officially confirmed in role beyond the sources describing him as the new figure around the team.
How long is Jeremy Doku's new Manchester City contract?
Manchester City confirmed a new five-year contract for Doku. The deal keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031 and makes him the fourth first-team player to agree a new contract with the club this summer.
What does Jeremy Doku's contract extension say about Manchester City's squad plans?
The extension looks like part of a broader retention push at City. Doku is the fourth first-team player to agree a new deal this summer, after Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol, while Hugo Viana said Doku has the right characteristics for the winger profile the club want.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
