Celtic’s “generational talent” Ben Doak linked with an exit | OneFootball

Celtic have had a particularly vibrant January in the transfer market as Ange Postecoglou has wasted no time strengthening his Hoops side.

The Australian has now signed over 15 players since arriving at Parkhead but despite that, they are still off the pace in the Scottish Premiership.

What’s the word?

After the signing of Matt O’Riley earlier this week, attention has now turned to outgoings at Celtic as Postecoglou looks to shift some of his deadwood.

The likes of Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas have both been linked with an exit of late and considering their unimportance at Paradise, fans wouldn’t be too sad if they packed their bags at the nearest opportunity.

However, the Bhoys could lose a young promising player too, one who has been tipped for stardom in Scotland.

Who is a better prospect?

The Daily Record’s Scott Burns reported this weekend that Liverpool are eyeing a move for talented Celtic teenager Ben Doak.

At 16 years of age, he is yet to sign professional terms and thus, could be lured away this year at a compensation fee.

Fans seething

Although Doak is yet to play a single game of professional football in his career, the idea of the youngster leaving Parkhead behind is one that will surely leave supporters of Celtic seething.

After all, this is one of the finest talents to come through the Hoops academy in many a year and it’s not as though others haven’t followed a similar path before.

Celtic have regularly lost some of their most prized assets to south of the border with the likes of Stuart Armstrong, Virgil van Dijk, Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama, Kieran Tierney, Kristoffer Ajer and Odsonne Edouard all heading to the Premier League.

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Factor in Leo Hjelde’s move to Leeds last summer and it’s not just the first-team players who can be enticed by a move to greater riches in English football.

Hjelde has already made his mark at Elland Road, making his senior debut for the club in 2022 and although Doak’s path to greatness at Liverpool would be much tougher, it would surely sadden Celtic fans to see another of their best young prospects depart.

After all, this is somebody who is already on the periphery of senior football at the age of 16, appearing on the bench against St Johnstone in December when he could have become the club’s youngest ever player to feature in a senior game.

As a result, there are clearly big hopes for him and based upon one appraisal from Bhoys Analtyics on Twitter says it all. They once Tweeted: “Ben Doak is a name Celtic fans should get familiar with. Real chance of producing a generational talent.”

As a result, to lose him for a measly compensation fee in the coming months would be a disaster.

Doak isn’t only blessed with wonderful talent but he’s a player that could eventually make Celtic a small fortune in the future. They simply have to ensure he signs professional terms in Glasgow.