With only a few weeks left until the conclusion of the current season, Premier League clubs are already turning their attention to the upcoming summer transfer window. Among the most intriguing young talents on the market is former Celtic prodigy, Ben Doak, whose future could be shaped by a host of clubs looking to secure his services.
Doak’s journey in football has been a notable one so far, with a career path that has seen him rise quickly through the ranks, but it has not been without its challenges. Having left Celtic early in his career, Doak made the switch to Liverpool, a move that piqued the interest of many. However, despite his initial promise, Doak has struggled to cement a place in Liverpool’s senior squad, and his development has been mostly confined to the youth team. This season, however, things have started to change for Doak.
He was loaned out to Championship side Middlesbrough, where he was given a more prominent role. Over the course of his 24 appearances for the club, Doak has managed to net three goals and provide seven assists. These contributions have helped raise his stock significantly. What makes this period even more notable is how Doak has showcased his potential on a senior level. The winger’s blistering pace and ability to take on defenders have always been central to his game, but his increased maturity and understanding of the game have become evident in recent months.
Though Doak’s spell at Middlesbrough has demonstrated his abilities, his return to Liverpool is still a matter of speculation. Liverpool’s senior team has seen limited appearances from the young player, as he has largely been involved with the club’s youth squads. In fact, Doak has only made 10 appearances for the senior squad since his move from Celtic. Nevertheless, his loan spell in the Championship has highlighted his potential to be a valuable asset at the top level.
The question now, however, is whether Premier League clubs will move to secure his signature, especially with the 2025 summer transfer window approaching. According to reports from TEAMtalk, Everton has expressed interest in signing the winger, and this news has certainly caught the attention of many in the football world. The Toffees are in the market for a pacey winger, and Doak fits the bill perfectly. His rapid development at Middlesbrough has undoubtedly raised his profile, and Everton sees him as a player who can inject some much-needed dynamism into their attack.
However, this move is not without its complications. The rivalry between Liverpool and Everton, two clubs based in the same city, would make any transfer between the two sides highly controversial. While such a move could certainly boost Everton’s squad, it is difficult to imagine that Liverpool would allow one of their young talents to cross the Mersey to their rivals. The rivalry runs deep, and it would likely take something extraordinary for both clubs to come to an agreement on such a transfer.
Moreover, it is not just Everton that has shown interest in Doak. Several other Premier League clubs have also been linked with the player, with Crystal Palace and Brentford among those reportedly keeping tabs on the talented winger. Doak’s performances at Middlesbrough have not gone unnoticed, and it seems that his future is far from settled, with numerous potential suitors circling.
One of the key factors in the upcoming transfer negotiations will be the asking price for the young talent. Liverpool, despite Doak’s limited appearances for the senior team, is likely to demand a significant fee for his services, especially given his potential and the interest he has garnered. Reports suggest that Liverpool could be looking for a fee in the region of £30 million. This is a hefty sum for a player who has yet to truly prove himself at the highest level, making it unclear whether Premier League clubs will be willing to pay such a fee for an unproven talent.
The question remains: would clubs be willing to spend £30 million on a player who has yet to fully establish himself in one of the top leagues in the world? While Doak undoubtedly has enormous potential, the lack of proven success in the Premier League may give some clubs pause. Many top-tier clubs are unlikely to gamble such a large sum on a player with little experience in the top flight, despite his impressive performances in the Championship. This could lead to a scenario where Doak either stays at Liverpool for another season or is loaned out again in the hopes of gaining further experience before a potential move.
However, the risk associated with a move for Doak is not necessarily a deterrent for all clubs. Many are willing to take a chance on a player with such raw talent, especially one who has demonstrated his ability to adapt to the demands of a senior team in the Championship. Furthermore, the potential upside of acquiring a player like Doak—who could become a top-tier talent in the future—may outweigh the risk for some clubs looking to invest in young prospects. If he continues to develop as he has shown this season, the £30 million fee could eventually seem like a bargain in the years to come.
For Everton, the idea of signing Doak may come down to the club’s ambitions and their immediate needs. The Toffees have struggled in recent seasons, and securing a player like Doak could offer them the attacking threat they need to push up the Premier League table. His speed, creativity, and ability to beat defenders would offer something different to their attack, and he could provide much-needed competition for the other wingers in their squad.
For Liverpool, the decision to part ways with Doak will not be an easy one. Despite his limited time with the senior team, the club may still see value in keeping the player around, especially given his potential. However, if a significant offer comes in during the summer window, it may be difficult for Liverpool to turn down a sizeable fee for a player who has yet to establish himself as a regular starter.
Ultimately, Doak’s future is uncertain, and his next move will depend on a variety of factors. His performances at Middlesbrough have undoubtedly raised his profile, but whether clubs are willing to pay a premium for his services remains to be seen. Everton, Crystal Palace, and Brentford are among the clubs reportedly interested, and each will weigh the potential risks and rewards of investing in such a young player. As the summer transfer window approaches, it will be fascinating to see where Doak ends up, and whether he can fulfill the promise he has shown so far in his career.
In the world of football, the summer transfer window is always a time of anticipation and speculation, and the case of Ben Doak is just one of many stories that will dominate headlines as clubs look to strengthen their squads. Whether he stays at Liverpool or makes a move elsewhere, it’s clear that Ben Doak is a player to watch in the coming years.
