Liverpool hosts Bournemouth in the Premier League opener tonight. Already, the Cherries has eliminated Ben Doak from the proceedings.
At long last, the Premier League is finally back. Officially, from today, the greatest league in the world has opened its doors for yet another season, with Liverpool playing this campaign as the champions.
Last season, in Arne Slot's first season in charge, the Reds prevented Man City from total English dominance by bringing the Premier League title back to Anfield Stadium. And that's where this season will begin.
This time out, expect to see many new faces. The Reds made a handful of signings and spent a pretty penny, so it'll be a new look Liverpool lineup, with Slot's imprint in mind.
This begs the question for those players who were already on the fringe of the first team, what next? Is there even any point sticking around when the pecking order just got harder?
Ben Doak removed from Liverpool squad vs Bournemouth
For Ben Doak, the answer to that question is no. There's no point sticking around. Instead of facing Bournemouth tonight, he'll be playing for Bournemouth this season.
According to Paul Joyce, regarded as one of the most reliable Liverpool sources, Ben Doak will not feature in tonight's game at any capacity, as his transfer to Bournemouth is close.
In his own words, Joyce said: "Ben Doak has been withdrawn from Liverpool squad tonight for game with Bournemouth. Bournemouth looking to seal deal of around £25m."
It's quite ironic that the team Ben Doak is joining is in town tonight. Still, the omission from the squad will go over Liverpool fans' heads anyway; Doak was always unlikely to start, or even play any part in this match.
Doak leaving for £25m is sensible business, as far as Liverpool is concerned. It shows some respectable honesty from Arne Slot, in the sense of being realistic about where Doak is in the pecking order.
Liverpool has a revamped front line, and it's expected that at least one more attacker will be signed before the transfer window closes. Therefore, Doak was always unlikely to play.
Only managing three league appearances for Liverpool, he might just be a player Liverpool regrets selling. However, fans can hardly blame Liverpool for taking a £25m paycheck, without losing an important player.
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