Journalist hails Liverpool as an “outstanding piece of business” following official transfer announcement.
Liverpool have officially confirmed the departure of another player from Anfield, with the deal widely regarded as ‘excellent business’ for the club.
On Monday evening, the Reds announced via their website and social media channels that Ben Doak has sealed a permanent switch to Bournemouth, with the fee reported at £25m.
Signed from Celtic in March 2022 for just £600,000, the 19-year-old forward made only 10 senior appearances for Liverpool but has now generated a huge profit for the club.
Liverpool applauded for £25m Doak deal
Writing for The Athletic, Gregg Evans highlighted Doak’s talent but stressed that Liverpool had struck a smart deal by cashing in at the right time. He pointed out that the youngster shone during a loan at Middlesbrough last season and also caught the eye with Scotland, most notably dazzling against Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol in the Nations League.
Evans noted: “Had Salah not extended his contract last summer, Doak might have been given a bigger chance at Anfield. However, with his market value rising after his loan spell, Liverpool were prepared to listen to offers. The £25m fee for a player with just 10 senior appearances is excellent business, while Bournemouth gives him a platform to push on with his career.”
Why Liverpool couldn’t say no
Despite Doak’s flashes of brilliance, including his display for Scotland against Croatia, the offer was too good for Liverpool to reject. The teenager has never scored for the club and only amassed 307 minutes of game-time, making Bournemouth’s sizeable bid irresistible.
For the Reds, the sale represents another profitable piece of trading under FSG, following last summer’s combined £50m windfall from Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg’s moves to Brentford.
While it’s unfortunate that Doak never established himself at Anfield, his stock has risen significantly since arriving in 2022. Now, with more opportunities for first-team football at Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola, he has the chance to fulfil his potential.
Best of luck on the south coast, Ben!
