Latest news with #Doak
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ben Doak teases injury comeback as Scotland hero starts pre-season early ahead to impress Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Doak endured a torrid second half of last season on the sidelines with a hamstring problem It's been a difficult year so far for Ben Doak - but the Scotland hotshot looks to be gearing up for a return to action this summer. The former Celtic kid was in the midst of a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough last season until a hamstring injury suffered at the end of January ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. It came just days after parent club Liverpool had knocked back reported bids worth £15million from Crystal Palace for the pacey winger, who burst onto the Scotland scene in style last year in Nations League A. Doak infamously picked up an injury in the lead-up to Euro 2024 that saw him miss the finals in Germany and his absence was certainly felt during the Nations League relegation play-off defeat to Greece back in March that saw Steve Clarke's drop from the competition's top tier. But in a video shared on social media, the 19-year-old has started his pre-season early in order to try and hit the ground running on his return to the Premier League champions next month, where he will be hoping to impress Anfield boss Arne Slot. In the short clip, Doak can be seen taking a shot at goal during an Empire Performance Elite session out in Portugal alongside fellow young Scottish hopefuls Dylan Reid and Charlie McArthur. Doak has made 12 first team appearances for Liverpool since making the move from Parkhead in 2022 but his long-term future in the red half of Merseyside remains unclear. As well as interest from Palace in the winter window, Doak was also sensationally linked with city rivals Everton earlier this year, with compatriot David Moyes now back in the hot seat at the new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium. Where Doak to make a shock switch to the other side of the Merseyside divide, then he would be the first player to do in 33 years. While several players including Rangers target Conor Coady and England hero Peter Beardsley turned out for both clubs during their careers, the last player to directly transfer from Liverpool to Everton was the late Gary Ablett back in 1992. However, Doak has been handed a potential reprieve at Anfield. Italy international Federico Chiesa is expected to leave the Reds this summer after just one season in the north-east of England, where his game time has been very limited. A return to Serie A could be on the cards for the winger, which in turn could improve Doak's chances of getting some minutes under Slot next season. Liverpool are splashing the cash as they gear up for the defence of their title and smashed their transfer record to land Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz for £116million last week.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Everton line up ambitious bid for Liverpool's promising attacker
Everton Make Move for Liverpool Starlet as Pre-Season Decisions Loom Interest builds in promising winger Everton are reportedly keen to sign 19-year-old Liverpool winger Ben Doak, according to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports. The teenager impressed during a season-long loan at Middlesbrough, catching the eye with his fearless running and raw attacking instincts. With Liverpool rejecting January interest from Ipswich and Crystal Palace, Everton's approach adds a local twist to an already intriguing situation. Photo: IMAGO Development plan still in motion Liverpool's preference was for Doak to remain at Boro through the second half of the season, giving him consistent minutes. That decision now places the club in a strong position to assess his readiness during pre-season under new manager Arne Slot, who will be closely evaluating the club's emerging talent. Photo: IMAGO Goodison interest raises eyebrows Cross-Merseyside moves are rare, and this approach from Everton raises questions about their recruitment direction. For Liverpool, the priority will be ensuring Doak's development path isn't compromised for short-term gain. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Everton's interest in Ben Doak feels more like fishing in deep water than a serious threat. Yes, Doak had a strong season at Middlesbrough, but the idea that Liverpool would let a high-potential winger walk across Stanley Park feels far-fetched at best. Advertisement Arne Slot has a rebuilding job ahead, but it would be staggering if that involved letting one of the most exciting young wide players in the system join a club just down the road. The board already knocked back interest in January for a reason, and unless there's a dramatic shift in planning, Doak should be in and around the senior squad for pre-season. There's also the matter of timing. With Liverpool entering a new managerial era and seeking identity under Slot, parting with emerging talent now would send the wrong message. Doak's ceiling is high, and if nurtured right, he could save the club millions in future recruitment. Everton's interest? Understandable. But from this side of the divide, it looks like one they're bound to lose.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Everton want Liverpool prospect after standout Boro stint
Everton eye Liverpool winger as part of summer rebuild Everton express interest in promising Liverpool talent As reported by Sky Sports News' Lyall Thomas, Everton are exploring a move for Liverpool winger Ben Doak following his standout loan spell at Middlesbrough. The 19-year-old has drawn interest from several Premier League clubs, including Ipswich and Crystal Palace, but Liverpool rejected those approaches in January. Photo IMAGO Doak's trajectory has been closely monitored, with Liverpool keen to assess his readiness during pre-season under new manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman is tasked with shaping the next generation, yet Everton sense an opportunity. Youthful energy needed at Goodison Park With Everton in need of pace and creativity out wide, a move for Doak aligns with their strategy of blending experienced heads with youthful promise. His Championship stint showcased his direct style and willingness to take on defenders, qualities sorely lacking in the current Everton squad. Loan success raises stock At Middlesbrough, Doak demonstrated maturity beyond his years, frequently impressing with his work rate and positional intelligence. It's no surprise he's now attracting top-flight suitors. Everton's interest reflects a shift towards smarter recruitment under the constraints of PSR regulations. Photo IMAGO Liverpool face decision on long-term plans Whether Liverpool opt to keep Doak as part of their first-team rotation under Slot or cash in will depend heavily on his summer showing. A permanent move to Goodison Park could offer guaranteed playing time, but the Reds may see him as too valuable to let go at this stage. Our View – EPL Index Analysis This rumour carries mixed emotions for Everton supporters. On one hand, Doak is clearly a player with enormous upside – direct, fearless and with top-level experience via Liverpool's academy and his time at Middlesbrough. But on the other, is this really the kind of signing Everton need right now? Advertisement With financial pressures dictating the club's every move and an ageing squad crying out for proven Premier League performers, gambling on potential might not be enough. Doak could be a masterstroke, or he could be another name lost in the churn of failed Goodison rebuilds. There's also the nagging concern that Liverpool might only entertain a deal if they've already decided he won't make the cut under Slot. That's not always a red flag, but it does make you wonder. If he's really good enough for Liverpool's first team, why would they sell to their neighbours? Still, if the price is right and the intent is clear, bringing in young, hungry talent like Doak could be a small but smart step in the right direction.
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arne Slot approved Ben Doak switch with 'Everton keen on controversial deal'
Speculation surrounding Ben Doak's departure from Liverpool has gained traction, with Everton cited as a potential destination for the teenager after his successful loan spell at Middlesbrough Arne Slot gave Ben Doak the green light to complete his loan deal to Middlesbrough before Everton's pursuit of the Liverpool starlet. Doak spent this season on loan at Boro in a bid to boost his development. The winger made a positive impact in the first half of the campaign, managing three goals and seven assists before suffering a thigh injury in January, which ended his season prematurely. However, it emerged last month via The Athletic's Walk On podcast that the 19-year-old is unlikely to receive substantial minutes next season after returning to Anfield. It was reported that, with club talisman Mohamed Salah already occupying his position and now the arrival of wing-back Jeremie Frimpong on the right flank, there is no obvious pathway to the first team for him. Liverpool are understood to only be entertaining permanent offers for Doak this summer. And Sky Sports has now reported that rivals Everton are after the Scotland international's signature in what would be a hugely controversial transfer. Reports have previously suggested the 19-year-old is a "prime target" for David Moyes, despite it being extremely unusual for a player to cross the Merseyside divide. The Telegraph stated two weeks ago that Liverpool's £30million asking price could prove to be a sticking point for the Toffees. The teenager's impressive start to his career has already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town reportedly had approaches turned down in January. Doak's performances at the Riverside Stadium this season were so eye-catching that Middlesbrough had hoped to re-sign the winger on a second loan deal this summer. The player himself revealed that Reds boss Slot had an important role in advising Doak to make his move to the North East, approving the club as an ideal destination to receive valuable minutes. Doak told the Liverpool Echo:"I had a few clubs with eyes on me. The club helped me pick as well, and I watched a few Boro games, and I knew a few of the lads here. "I didn't think there was a much better place than the Boro, especially to be honest, the amount they have the ball on the right-hand side and the team just naturally caters to my game. "The club (Liverpool) helps you narrow it down, then you speak to the gaffers, and then just pick the team that takes your fancy and Arne Slot obviously approved of the choice. He said Michael's [Carrick] team plays really good football, he's got the team playing really well." Doak signed for Liverpool from Celtic as a 16-year-old in 2022, and it quickly became clear he was a special talent. His performances in the academy were such that Jurgen Klopp handed him his senior debut in November after signing and started him four times last season, before injury ended his season.
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Ben Doak Liverpool transfer talk intensifies with new suitor as Steve Clarke and Scotland watch with interest
Everton emerge as potential destination as Scot faces key summer Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Liverpool's Scotland internationalist Ben Doak is on the radar of city rivals Everton in this transfer window, according to reports. Everton are expected to launch a complete overhaul of their squad this summer under manager David Moyes ahead of a fresh era at their new Bramley Dock stadium. The Toffees have languished in the bottom half of the English Premier League recently and are set to strengthen ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And Sky Sports are claiming that exciting Scotland winger Doak is on their radar in what would be an eye-catching move across the Merseyside divide. Ben Doak has won six caps for Scotland. | SNS Group Doak joined Liverpool from Celtic in March 2022 when he was just 16. He made his debut for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp in November later that year, but has been used sparingly as a first-team player at Anfield under the legendary German coach and then current boss Arne Slot. Now 19, Doak made his Scotland debut last year and emerged as a direct and pacey wide player for Steve Clarke after impressing on loan with Middlesbrough in the English Championship. However, his season at the Riverside Stadium was cut short by a thigh injury at the start of February that required surgery and has not played since. It is understood that Liverpool would be open to selling Doak, although his transfer fee has been mooted in the region of £25 million. There was interest from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town last winter during his purple patch at Middlesbrough, but it was decided that it was in his best interests to remain on Teesside under head coach Michael Carrick. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Is the time right for Ben Doak? With the first-team door seemingly shut at Liverpool, now may be the right time for Doak to strike out and earn a permanent move away from Anfield. He has played less than 50 senior games and last year spoke about how much he was enjoying a regular run of football at Middlesbrough. Scotland head coach Steve Clarke will also be watching developments on Doak with interest. The national team boss is not blessed with out-and-out wide men with pace and will be keen to see the teenager playing ahead of the World Cup qualification campaign, which starts in September.
