Liverpool FC have officially announced the departure of another player from Anfield, with many describing the move as ‘smart business’ by the club.
On Monday evening, the Reds confirmed via their website and social media channels that Ben Doak has sealed a permanent transfer to Bournemouth. Reports suggest the Cherries are paying £25 million for the 19-year-old Scottish forward.
Doak had cost Liverpool only £600,000 when he arrived from Celtic in March 2022, going on to feature in just 10 senior matches. Turning such a small investment into a sizeable profit has drawn widespread praise for the Merseyside club.
In a detailed analysis of the transfer, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans lauded the teenager’s talent but also highlighted the financial brilliance of the deal, calling it shrewd business from Liverpool’s hierarchy. He noted that Doak’s loan spell at Middlesbrough last season underlined his potential, while his international performances — particularly dazzling against Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol — showcased his flair on the big stage.
However, with Mohamed Salah signing a new contract last summer, first-team opportunities were always going to be limited. Liverpool, aware that Doak’s market value had risen sharply, opted to cash in this summer. Evans pointed out that earning £25m for a youngster with only 10 appearances and no goals in a Liverpool shirt represents exceptional value.
For Bournemouth, meanwhile, this move offers Doak the platform to secure consistent playing time, something that was never likely at Anfield with Salah dominating the right-wing role.
This deal follows a familiar pattern under FSG, who have repeatedly managed to secure strong fees for players who didn’t quite establish themselves at Liverpool, just as they did last summer with Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg’s moves to Brentford for over £50m combined.
Though it’s unfortunate that Doak didn’t break through at Anfield, his reputation has grown since arriving in 2022. Now at Bournemouth, he has the chance to unlock his full potential under Andoni Iraola.
Good luck on the south coast, Ben Doak!