Ben Doak has been an important part of Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough squad this season, as the Teesside club remains one of the Championship play-off contenders this campaign.
The Liverpool loanee has had a stellar campaign at the Riverside, scoring three goals and registering seven assists in his 24 appearances across all competitions, but the news of his injury potentially ruling him out for the season will have dented the fan’s belief the club can achieve promotion this season.
The Scottish international’s Middlesbrough career was set to come to an end at the end of the season, but any hopes of extending the loan seem to have been extinguished.
It has been reported by journalist Alan Nixon via Patreon that the 19-year-old is a top target for both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Nixon believes that Doak could be used as a bargaining chip by Liverpool in order to land either of their believed targets, Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez, from the Cherries.
So with his departure looking almost certain, here are three potential options to replace him on the wing at Middlesbrough next season.
Tyrhys Dolan
Doak’s dribbling ability, his pace, and his relentless attitude are three qualities that endeared him to the Boro fans this season, and it is clear why the Scottish international is considered an exciting talent.
However, these qualities have all been mentioned about Blackburn Rovers’ Tyrhys Dolan.
The 23-year-old would be a fine replacement for the outgoing Liverpool loanee, as Dolan has stood up and shown how he has evolved from the coaching of John Eustace.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
There is much speculation around the future of the Blackburn player, as his contract is set to expire this summer, and he is believed to be assessing his options.
Dolan has been key to the former Premier League champions this season, chipping in with four goals and five assists in his 36 league matches.
The fact that he is available for free this summer will put him on the radar of the Teesside club, along with many other Championship sides.
Grady Diangana
This is another player who loves to have the ball at his feet, torturing defenders with his desire to dribble at them.
Grady Diangana would be a fine replacement for Doak, as he has the qualities Michael Carrick loves in the 19-year-old.
The Congolese international has been an important fixture of the West Bromwich Albion side since he joined from West Ham in August 2019, before making the move permanent the following season.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
He has featured 196 times for the Baggies in all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing 21 assists.
Similar to Dolan, Middlesbrough will look at his contract expiring this summer as a major factor in helping them possibly pursue him as a replacement for Doak.
Trent Kone-Doherty
Middlesbrough may decide to replace one Liverpool loanee with another, bringing in Trent Kone-Doherty to fill the void of the departing Doak.
The former Derry City player has already featured for Arne Slot on three occasions this season, twice in the EFL Cup and once in the FA Cup.
Many within Liverpool have spoken about the ability the Irish teenager has, particularly his ability on the ball and to chip in with a goal, something Middlesbrough desperately needs.
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
While he is not a like-for-like replacement for Doak like the other names mentioned, he is a player who could help elevate Carrick’s side.
It may be considered a risk to take the relatively inexperienced player to the club on loan; he may have the same positive impact on the team as Doak, due to the fine coaching of Carrick.