Ben Doak, a 19-year-old Scottish winger currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Liverpool, has ignited a transfer scramble among Premier League clubs. Despite being highly regarded at Liverpool, Doak has expressed his willingness to depart Anfield permanently in pursuit of regular first-team opportunities. This decision has alerted several top-flight clubs, including Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Fulham, who are now closely monitoring the situation. Crystal Palace has already submitted a £15 million bid, while Ipswich Town has reportedly offered £16 million, demonstrating the significant interest in the young talent. Liverpool, however, are reportedly holding out for a £30 million package, comprising a £20 million upfront fee and £10 million in add-ons, reflecting their belief in Doak’s potential.
Doak’s performances at Middlesbrough, under the guidance of manager Michael Carrick, have been instrumental in attracting this attention. His impressive form earned him the Championship Player of the Month award in November, fueled by five assists. He has also demonstrated his goal-scoring ability with two goals, further cementing his reputation as a promising young talent. While Celtic, Doak’s former club who sold him to Liverpool in 2022, are also interested in his return, the player’s preference is reportedly a move to a Premier League club, further intensifying the competition for his signature.
Liverpool, while seemingly open to selling Doak, are determined to secure the best possible deal. They are expected to demand a series of add-ons to any transfer agreement. Additionally, the club are considering including a buy-back clause, which would allow them to re-sign Doak in the future, should he fulfill his potential. This strategic move demonstrates Liverpool’s long-term vision and their desire to protect their investment in the young player, even if he departs Anfield in the near future.
Doak’s rapid rise through the ranks at Liverpool has been punctuated by both impressive performances and unfortunate setbacks. He made his first-team debut in a Carabao Cup victory against Derby County in 2022, a moment quickly followed by his first professional contract, highlighting the club’s early faith in his abilities. However, a knee injury subsequently hampered his progress, sidelining him for a significant portion of the 2023/24 season. Despite this setback, his talent remained evident, leading to a call-up to Scotland’s provisional squad for Euro 2024, a testament to his potential. He ultimately withdrew from the squad due to fitness concerns, but the recognition further underscores his rising profile.
The uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool has introduced another dynamic into the club’s transfer dealings. While young right-back Calvin Ramsay, another highly-rated prospect, was initially expected to leave on loan again after being recalled from Wigan, his departure might now be delayed. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is reportedly keen to retain Ramsay as cover for Alexander-Arnold, whose potential transfer could leave a void in the right-back position. This development could impact St Johnstone, who were hoping to secure Ramsay on loan until the end of the season. The situation emphasizes the interconnected nature of transfer decisions, where the potential departure of one player can significantly influence the plans for another.
The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Ben Doak underlines the complex nature of player development and the strategic decisions clubs must make. For Liverpool, the decision to potentially sell Doak represents a balancing act between maximizing financial returns and nurturing young talent. The interest from Premier League clubs highlights Doak’s potential, while Liverpool’s insistence on add-ons and a buy-back clause underscores their belief that his value could rise further. The unfolding events will undoubtedly shape Doak’s career trajectory and could have ramifications for Liverpool’s long-term squad planning. The final outcome will be a testament to the delicate interplay of ambition, financial considerations, and player development within the competitive landscape of professional football.
