Ben Doak is attracting strong interest in the transfer market this summer, with several clubs in England and Europe chasing the former Celtic winger.
But despite his growing value, Celtic won’t earn anything from a possible deal.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Dundee United – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – January 29, 2022 Celtic’s Ben Doak Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
The 19-year-old Scotland winger is looking for regular first-team football after struggling for minutes at Liverpool. Leeds United and West Ham have shown interest, with Everton said to be pushing hardest. David Moyes is a known admirer. Monaco and Bologna are also keeping tabs on his situation.
Liverpool reportedly want around £20 million for Doak. It’s unclear if any club will meet that figure, but his speed and direct play make him a player many teams are watching closely.
Celtic supporters will remember the flashes of promise Doak showed before leaving. He made just two first-team appearances under Ange Postecoglou before joining Liverpool in March 2022. Celtic received only a small six-figure development fee, which felt low for such a promising youngster.
There’s no sell-on clause in the deal that took him to Anfield. That means Celtic won’t get anything extra even if Liverpool cash in now. It’s a frustrating reality given how much his reputation has grown in recent months.
Soccer Football – UEFA Nations League – Group A1 – Croatia v Scotland – Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb, Croatia – October 12, 2024 Scotland’s Ben Doak in action with Croatia’s Borna Sosa and Josko Gvardiol REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
Doak’s progress highlights Celtic’s success in developing young talent, but it also shows how quickly that value can leave the club if contracts aren’t right. With no future earnings tied to his next move, Celtic are left watching on as others profit.
As the window nears its end, clubs offering more game time could tempt Doak away from Liverpool. For Celtic, though, it’s simply a case of watching from afar, knowing they helped shape the player, but won’t see the reward.
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