Forest target Liverpool winger as Elanga replacement this summer | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Eye Move for Liverpool’s Ben Doak After Elanga Departure

Forest look to replace Elanga with Liverpool winger

Nottingham Forest are exploring the possibility of signing Liverpool winger Ben Doak this summer, following Anthony Elanga’s £55 million move to Newcastle United. The Sweden international’s departure has left a void in Forest’s attacking options, and according to The Express, Doak is among the names under consideration as a potential replacement.

Photo: IMAGO

Forest had hoped to keep Elanga, but the lure of European football and Newcastle’s growing project proved decisive. Elanga contributed six goals and 11 assists for Forest last season and described his time there as “amazing”, adding that the club “really helped me to become the player I am today”.

His exit now gives Forest room to reinvest, and their focus has turned to Anfield, where Doak is attracting growing interest.

Interest in Doak builds across Europe

Doak, 19, enjoyed a strong loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, where he scored three goals and provided seven assists in the Championship. His performances did not go unnoticed. PSV Eindhoven are reportedly among the clubs tracking his situation, while sides in Spain have also shown interest.

Photo IMAGO

Closer to home, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Everton have all made enquiries earlier this summer, with Brentford maintaining long-standing interest in the Scottish winger.

Forest are now the latest club to join the race, and with funds available from Elanga’s sale, they could formalise their interest in the coming days.

Liverpool value Doak amid summer reshuffle

Liverpool are understood to value Doak at around £25 million. While not actively looking to sell, the club are aware of the growing demand for the young attacker, who joined from Celtic in 2022. Doak made his senior Liverpool debut shortly after arriving and has featured ten times for the Reds in all competitions.

Photo: IMAGO

He also played a part in Sunday’s 3-1 pre-season win over Preston North End, registering an assist and further showcasing his attacking potential.

Doak is open to leaving Anfield if regular first-team football can be guaranteed, and Forest may offer a more immediate path to consistent minutes.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Ben Doak has long been seen as one of the most promising young players at Liverpool. Quick, fearless and direct, he is exactly the kind of winger the club has built its modern identity around.

But if this report is accurate, Liverpool may be ready to cash in. £25 million is a tempting figure for a player with limited top-flight minutes, and it would represent a healthy profit on the teenager signed from Celtic just two years ago.

Still, it feels early. Doak impressed on loan, showed flashes in pre-season, and already looks capable of contributing at Premier League level. In a summer that has already seen several departures, including Alexander-Arnold, Quansah and the passing of Jota, letting another young talent go could feel like a step back.

Yes, there is an argument that loaning him again might not benefit either party. But selling outright, especially to a domestic rival like Forest, might be a decision the club come to regret.

Supporters will be hoping this interest prompts Liverpool to rethink. Doak has the tools. What he needs now is trust, patience and a proper chance.