The first Liverpool game of the new Premier League season took an unexpected twist just hours before kick-off.
Young winger Ben Doak was removed from the matchday squad for the opener against Bournemouth at Anfield. The reason? As per Fabrizio Romano, he is on the verge of joining the Cherries in a deal worth around £25 million ($33.91m).
🚨🍒 Ben Doak to Bournemouth, here we go! Deal in place with Liverpool for £25m transfer fee.
Porto are no longer in the mix since Tuesday as they’ve been informed of deal in place with #AFCB.
Formal steps to follow next. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/MVKKudYzNf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2025
The 19-year-old had been tipped as one for the future when Liverpool signed him from Celtic for £600,000 ($814,000) in 2022.
But injuries and fierce competition for attacking spots have limited his minutes. A move to Bournemouth would give him a better chance of regular game time — even if it means making his debut against his former teammates.
The Scottish international spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, gaining valuable Championship experience. Now, he appears ready to make the south coast his permanent home, with reports suggesting Bournemouth beat Porto and Stuttgart to his signature.
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Did Liverpool make the right decision by selling Ben Doak?
This transfer will divide opinion among Reds fans. On one hand, £25m for a player yet to prove himself in the Premier League looks like good business.
On the other hand, Doak’s pace and direct play could blossom with more minutes, and Liverpool might regret letting him go.
Bournemouth’s interest in Doak also links to a possible chain reaction in the market. If they sign him, Dango Ouattara could move to Brentford, which might trigger further moves — though Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak seems to have stalled. Eddie Howe has made it clear that there’s been “no change” in Isak’s situation.
For now, Doak’s sudden withdrawal means Liverpool will face Bournemouth without him — and possibly against him very soon.
Football can be a game of fine margins, but this one might come down to whether the Reds have sold a gem or just polished up someone else’s future star.
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