Ben Doak’s Liverpool future could depend on departures elsewhere this summer, with several Premier League clubs monitoring the winger’s situation.
The 19-year-old, who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Middlesbrough this season, remains in an uncertain position ahead of Liverpool’s return to pre-season training in 10 days time. Doak has attracted interest from Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Everton, while sides in Spain and Italy are known to be keen on the Scotland international.
Yet, Liverpool has yet to receive any sort of offer for the player in what has been a busy summer for the Reds. The arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz have increased competition for places in Doak’s preferred right-wing role, although neither is expected to play predominantly in that position.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah’s decision to sign a two-year extension in April has skewed the picture of Doak’s future prospects and immediate opportunities to play in the first team.
Liverpool.com understands the player is open to a summer departure, with a permanent exit or him remaining at the club this season now the two most likely scenarios. While Doak’s loan at Riverside was seen as a rewarding experience, another short-term exit seems unlikely at this stage.
That can change, of course, as the dominos fall in the transfer market. For instance, the futures of Eberechi Eze at Palace and Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth could play a decisive factor in Doak’s future.
Should either leave, the Liverpool youngster is seen as a possible replacement. Eze has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur after another excellent season at Selhurst Park.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze could leave Palace this summer. (Image: Getty Images)
The Eagles hold a long-term interest in Doak and saw a bid turned down in January.
As for Bournemouth, Semenyo’s high valuation - somewhere around the £70million ($96M) mark - could put off interested parties. In a summer where Dean Huijsen and Kerkez have already left, Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan has expired and Illia Zabarnyi could also move on, the south-coast club is taking a firm stance on any other possible departures.
Everton’s interest in Doak is well documented as the Toffees look to reshape their squad ahead of a first season in the Hill Dickinson Stadium under new ownership. Seamus Coleman signed a new deal on Friday, while there’s hope Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye could follow suit as Everton’s tentative summer plans begin to blossom.
Ben Doak celebrates scoring against West Brom.
Ben Doak enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough this season.
That means Doak’s future remains unclear, despite the player's keenness for a quick resolution. The ex-Celtic youth team star isn’t sure whether he will be on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia, although at this early stage of the summer, no decisions have yet been made on the make-up of the group that will travel to Hong Kong and Japan.
After a season showing his talents in the Championship, there’s a sense across the Premier League that Doak is ready to step up and play regularly in the top flight. Sources have indicated he is eagerly awaiting any news and is determined to continue his development next season.
Doak ended that impressive loan spell with an injury that curtailed the campaign, and he didn’t play after January due to a thigh issue.
The forward, who has made 10 senior appearances for Liverpool, will be fit to begin pre-season on 7 July and recently posted videos of himself undergoing personal training in Portugal.