There remains uncertainty over what the future will hold for Middlesbrough loan star Ben Doak, as contrasting views emerged about Liverpool’s stance over the weekend.
Doak enjoyed a fantastic spell at Boro this season as he made 24 appearances, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. The thigh injury that ended up requiring surgery and resulted in the premature conclusion of his season in February proved particularly costly for Boro, just a week after they were celebrating the fact he wouldn’t be recalled by Liverpool.
There had been considerations he would be recalled in the winter transfer window, as Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town tabled offers for the 19-year-old winger. But with Liverpool holding out for £30 million, the Scotland international stayed on Teesside, albeit only briefly in the end.
Now, as Doak returns to Merseyside after proving his star quality in a Boro shirt, the question remains: what does the future hold for him? Sadly, there is next to no prospect of him returning to Boro next season, with Arne Slot’s choices to either give him a chance at Liverpool, or sell/loan him out to a Premier League club next term. Contrasting reports emerged this weekend as to Liverpool’s plans.
Liverpool academy expert Lewis Bower told the Anfield Index that Doak could get a chance to impress in pre-season this summer, alongside Blackburn Rovers loan star Owen Beck. He said: “Ben Doak is so exciting and he has done well out on loan at Middlesbrough this season.
“I was told that Slot only personally asked for two players to be reported back to him in depth. Both Doak and Beck will get a chance in pre-season before any decisions are made, but there will be heavy interest in both players.”
However, Liverpool are signing Jeremie Frimpong for €25 million this summer. The Leverkusen star is expected to take Trent Alexander-Arnold’s spot at right-back but can also play on the right wing. The Athletic’s James Pearce believes that could spell trouble for Doak’s chances.
He said: “The awkward thing for [Ben Doak] in terms of his Liverpool prospects is with Salah signing a new contract and if Frimpong comes in, there’s a possibility of playing him further up the pitch at times. So, where’s Doak going to fit in? It’s difficult at the minute to see the pathway for him.”