Liverpool has exceeded $270 million in player sales this transfer window after Bournemouth sealed a deal for 19-year-old Ben Doak, who now wishes to be known as Ben Gannon Doak.
Arne Slot's Reds remain active in the transfer market, with interest in Alexander Isak ongoing and nearly $400M invested in players such as Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. However, a significant portion of this expenditure has been offset by player sales.
Eight first-team stars, including Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, have bid farewell to Anfield this window, and Gannon Doak is the latest to leave. Despite being known as Doak during his time at Liverpool and while on loan at Middlesbrough last year, he now wishes to be recognised by both of his parents' surnames and departs with fond memories, save for one training ground embarrassment.
Gannon Doak joined Liverpool from Celtic as an academy prospect in March 2022, with the Scottish club receiving approximately $800,000 in compensation for his transfer. He made his debut under Jurgen Klopp in a Carabao Cup match against Derby County and soon after signed his first professional contract.
When he played against Aston Villa that December, Gannon Doak became the youngest Scotsman to feature in the Premier League, reports the Mirror. A knee injury kept him out of action for most of the subsequent season, but not before a humorous training ground incident involving forgotten Reds midfielder Arthur Melo.
The Brazilian featured for just 13 minutes during his temporary stint at Anfield from Juventus, yet in March 2023, he became an internet sensation thanks to a moment of brilliance on the training ground.
Klopp's squad were gearing up for their encounter with Manchester City when they began a passing drill, with Gannon Doak tasked with winning possession. Melo collected the ball and, as Gannon Doak bore down on him, he smoothly rolled it between his legs, sending the young Scot sprawling and leaving him embarrassed.
Andy Robertson, Gannon Doak's fellow countryman, was left in stitches following the sublime skill, whilst team-mates Diaz, Curtis Jones and Nunez also showed their appreciation.
The duo embraced following the nutmeg, although neither featured in the ensuing 4-1 loss to the eventual title winners City. Melo departed Merseyside that summer following a loan period hampered by fitness problems.
Ben Doak of Liverpool during a training session
Gannon Doak was left red-faced after getting nutmegged in Liverpool training (Image: Getty)
Gannon Doak also endured injury setbacks before his temporary switch to Middlesbrough in August 2024. Last November, he claimed the EFL Young Player of the Month accolade after providing five assists in five matches.
Now, Gannon Doak has secured a permanent transfer to the Cherries for $33M, where he's been given the No. 11 jersey and has chosen a fresh surname on his shirt to honor both his parents' family names. Reports suggest this transfer includes a buy-back clause for the Reds.
"I'm buzzing to be here. I feel like it's the right time for me and it's a great opportunity to play regular football at the highest level," said Gannon Doak after his move was announced.
"It feels like the perfect fit. The team play very nice football. It's fast and it really suits my game, so I felt like I couldn't say no to the chance to play here."