Davis: “Liverpool can’t make the same mistakes with Ben Doak that were made with Harry Wilson” | OneFootball

Liverpool Risk Pricing Ben Doak Out of a Move: The New Harry Wilson?

On the latest episode of the Transfer Show podcast by Anfield Index, Trev Downey and Dave Davis discussed Liverpool’s approach to young talent, focusing on Ben Doak. The Scottish winger has attracted interest from other clubs, but the hosts raised concerns that Liverpool could be repeating past mistakes by pricing Doak out of a move, just as they did with Harry Wilson.

The conversation highlighted Liverpool’s dilemma—whether to hold on to Doak for potential first-team opportunities or allow him to leave for regular football elsewhere. The comparisons with Wilson’s stalled career offer a cautionary tale for the club’s handling of young prospects.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s High Valuation of Ben Doak

During the podcast, Dave Davis expressed concerns that Liverpool’s valuation of Ben Doak could limit his chances of securing a move if he’s not guaranteed regular first-team football at Anfield.

Davis drew parallels to the Harry Wilson situation, stating:

“Harry Wilson was a great talent who we probably priced out of a move at times. We can’t do the same with Ben Doak.”

The hosts suggested that Liverpool need to strike a balance between keeping their best young talent and allowing them the chance to develop elsewhere if opportunities at the club remain limited.

The concern is that pricing Ben Doak too high could lead to him being stuck in limbo, unable to make the breakthrough at Liverpool while also missing out on opportunities at other clubs.

Is Ben Doak’s Development at Risk?

Ben Doak has shown immense potential since joining Liverpool from Celtic, impressing fans with his pace, skill, and direct approach. However, at just 18 years old, his pathway to regular first-team football remains unclear, especially given Liverpool’s depth in attacking positions.

Trev Downey suggested that Doak’s future could be at risk if Liverpool continue to hold out for a high transfer fee without offering him sufficient opportunities:

“We’ve been here before with Harry Wilson. We can’t make the same mistakes with Ben Doak.”

Wilson, a product of Liverpool’s academy, was consistently loaned out but never made a lasting impact at Anfield. Despite his talent, Liverpool’s high asking price reportedly deterred clubs from making a permanent move until he eventually joined Fulham for a lower fee.

The fear is that Doak could suffer a similar fate—failing to secure regular minutes at Liverpool and missing the chance to make a permanent move that could benefit his career.

Harry Wilson Comparison: Warning For Liverpool

The Harry Wilson situation serves as a warning for Liverpool’s handling of young players. Despite being highly regarded within the club, Wilson’s career stalled due to a lack of first-team opportunities and Liverpool’s reluctance to lower their asking price during key transfer windows.

Photo: IMAGO

Dave Davis pointed out the risk of repeating this mistake with Ben Doak:

“We need to be smarter with these situations. Ben Doak needs clarity on his future. If he’s not going to play regularly, let him go somewhere he can.”

Wilson’s case highlights the potential pitfalls of overvaluing young players without offering them a clear pathway to the first team. Liverpool risk losing talented prospects who could thrive elsewhere if they’re priced out of moves.

What Should Liverpool Do with Ben Doak?

Both Trev Downey and Dave Davis agreed that Liverpool need to be realistic about Ben Doak’s future. If he’s not going to get regular first-team minutes, the club should consider loaning him out or lowering their asking price to ensure he has the chance to develop at another club.

Davis summarised the issue by saying:

“We’ve got to learn from our mistakes. Players like Ben Doak need the right opportunities to grow. If we’re holding them back, we’re not doing them any favours.”

With Liverpool focusing on a squad rebuild under Arne Slot, managing young talent like Ben Doak will be crucial. The club must decide whether to keep him as a long-term project or allow him to leave and flourish elsewhere.

Liverpool Must Learn from Past Mistakes

The discussion on the Transfer Show podcast highlighted the potential risk of Liverpool pricing Ben Doak out of a move. Comparisons with Harry Wilson’s stalled career serve as a warning for the club—if they don’t manage Doak’s development carefully, they could risk losing another talented prospect without seeing him reach his full potential.

Finding the right balance between keeping young talent and giving them opportunities elsewhere will be key for Liverpool’s future success.

As Dave Davis put it:

“We need to be smarter. We can’t make the same mistakes again.”