Doak “set free” at Bournemouth after career “crossroads” | OneFootball

Bournemouth strengthen with Doak arrival

Bournemouth have finalised the signing of Ben Doak from Liverpool in a deal worth £25million. The south-coast side pushed ahead of several Premier League rivals to secure the 19-year-old Scotland international, with Liverpool negotiating a buyback clause as part of the agreement.

Doak becomes Bournemouth’s fourth addition of the summer window, joining Djordje Petrovic, Adrien Truffert and Bafode Diakite. His arrival offers Andoni Iraola’s squad fresh attacking depth following the departure of Dango Ouattara, who completed a £37million switch to Brentford at the weekend.

Liverpool reshape squad with further exit

The move marks another significant departure from Anfield in what has been a summer of considerable transition. Doak follows Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah in leaving the club.

Liverpool initially recruited Doak from Celtic in March 2022 for a fee of £600,000. Despite being regarded as one of the brightest academy prospects, he struggled for sustained first-team opportunities, making just 10 senior appearances during his time on Merseyside.

A season-long loan at Middlesbrough last term gave him valuable Championship experience, where he contributed three goals and seven assists in 24 matches. His development during that period increased interest from across the league, but Bournemouth were the side to meet Liverpool’s valuation.

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Career at a crossroads

Doak’s pathway to regular football at Anfield was complicated by established senior figures. The right flank has been dominated by one of Liverpool’s most influential players in recent years, leaving limited room for emerging talent.

He was handed opportunities in youth and development sides, impressing for the U18s and U21s, and was briefly introduced into the senior setup under Jurgen Klopp. Injuries and competition restricted his progress, though a strong loan spell highlighted his ability to perform at senior level.

At international level, Doak has demonstrated flashes of quality for Scotland, notably troubling Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol in a European qualifier. Those moments enhanced his reputation further, convincing Bournemouth of his potential to make an impact in the Premier League.

New chapter at Bournemouth

For Bournemouth, the signing represents both a long-term investment and an immediate solution to reinforce the forward line. The club began their campaign with a defeat at Liverpool on the opening weekend and face Wolverhampton Wanderers next on 23 August.

Doak now has the chance to establish himself in a side that offers a clearer route to regular first-team minutes. Liverpool, meanwhile, have secured both financial return and future flexibility through the buyback option, ensuring their interest in the winger’s career remains active.

At £25million, the deal is considered good business for both clubs: Liverpool gain significant profit on a player with limited senior involvement, and Bournemouth secure a highly regarded prospect eager to kickstart his Premier League career.