Speculation surrounding Ben Doak's departure from Liverpool has gained traction, with Everton cited as a potential destination for the teenager after his successful loan spell at Middlesbrough
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16:13, 02 Jun 2025
Ben Doak of Liverpool reacts during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Bradford City and Liverpool U21 at University of Bradford Stadium on December 05, 2023 in Bradford, England.
Liverpool's Ben Doak is being pursued by rivals Everton(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Arne Slot gave Ben Doak the green light to complete his loan deal to Middlesbrough before Everton's pursuit of the Liverpool starlet. Doak spent this season on loan at Boro in a bid to boost his development.
The winger made a positive impact in the first half of the campaign, managing three goals and seven assists before suffering a thigh injury in January, which ended his season prematurely. However, it emerged last month via The Athletic's Walk On podcast that the 19-year-old is unlikely to receive substantial minutes next season after returning to Anfield.
It was reported that, with club talisman Mohamed Salah already occupying his position and now the arrival of wing-back Jeremie Frimpong on the right flank, there is no obvious pathway to the first team for him.
Liverpool are understood to only be entertaining permanent offers for Doak this summer. And Sky Sports has now reported that rivals Everton are after the Scotland international's signature in what would be a hugely controversial transfer.
Reports have previously suggested the 19-year-old is a "prime target" for David Moyes, despite it being extremely unusual for a player to cross the Merseyside divide. The Telegraph stated two weeks ago that Liverpool's £30million asking price could prove to be a sticking point for the Toffees.
The teenager's impressive start to his career has already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town reportedly had approaches turned down in January.
Doak's performances at the Riverside Stadium this season were so eye-catching that Middlesbrough had hoped to re-sign the winger on a second loan deal this summer.
The player himself revealed that Reds boss Slot had an important role in advising Doak to make his move to the North East, approving the club as an ideal destination to receive valuable minutes.
Middlesbrough's Ben Doak celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough
Arne Slot gave Doak the green light to join Middlesbrough on loan this season
Doak told the Liverpool Echo: "I had a few clubs with eyes on me. The club helped me pick as well, and I watched a few Boro games, and I knew a few of the lads here.
"I didn't think there was a much better place than the Boro, especially to be honest, the amount they have the ball on the right-hand side and the team just naturally caters to my game.
"The club (Liverpool) helps you narrow it down, then you speak to the gaffers, and then just pick the team that takes your fancy and Arne Slot obviously approved of the choice. He said Michael's [Carrick] team plays really good football, he's got the team playing really well."
Doak signed for Liverpool from Celtic as a 16-year-old in 2022, and it quickly became clear he was a special talent. His performances in the academy were such that Jurgen Klopp handed him his senior debut in November after signing and started him four times last season, before injury ended his season.
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