Ben Doak’s Future: Merseyside Switch or Wider Horizons?

As Liverpool’s summer reshaping begins under Premier League-winning manager Arne Slot, the future of young talent Ben Doak is under increasing scrutiny. Following a loan spell with Middlesbrough in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign, interest in the Scottish winger is growing — and not just from afar.

In a recent podcast for Anfield Index, football journalist David Lynch spoke with Dave Davis and shared insights that have stirred debate among Reds fans, not least due to Everton’s involvement.

Everton’s Interest in Doak: Too Close for Comfort?

“100% there’s interest there and I think it would be a really good move for Doak to be honest,” said Lynch. Those words are sure to raise eyebrows on the red half of Merseyside. The idea of a Liverpool prospect heading across Stanley Park might seem unthinkable to some, but the argument is more nuanced than it first appears.

Everton, under David Moyes, are now more stable and ambitious than they’ve been in recent seasons. Lynch added, “I would predict pretty comfortably that Everton won’t be in a relegation battle next season and he can also stay local.” This proximity could offer Doak continuity, while the reduced travel and familiar surroundings could benefit a young player still finding his rhythm in senior football.

“There’s a lot that could appeal to him in that move,” Lynch noted. That could include more regular Premier League football than he might get at Liverpool, especially given Slot’s reported desire to bring in a new wide forward to bolster his attacking options.

Bournemouth and Palace Among Suitors

It’s not just Everton with their eye on Doak. “AFC Bournemouth are also interested I believe and Crystal Palace have been interested previously, so there’s a few clubs in the mix,” Lynch revealed.

Bournemouth and Palace present arguably safer choices for Liverpool fans concerned about strengthening a direct rival. Both clubs have solid reputations for developing young players — look at the trajectory of Michael Olise at Palace or Marcus Tavernier’s consistency at Bournemouth.

Doak is currently valued at around £30million by Liverpool, which would mark an incredibly astute piece of business from the Anfield hierarchy.

However, the key difference with Everton is geographical. Staying in Liverpool would minimise disruption in Doak’s life, something often overlooked in football’s transfer rumour mill.

Permanent Departure Likely

Lynch was clear on one key point: “I do think he will move permanently this summer and I’m going to stick to my guns on that one.” That will come as a blow to supporters hoping the 19-year-old might remain in the fold as a long-term option for Slot.

His time at Middlesbrough showed promise, with glimpses of explosive pace and raw dribbling ability, but also highlighted areas that need refinement — positional intelligence, end product and tactical discipline among them. A permanent move to a mid-table Premier League side could provide the platform he needs to take the next step.

Slot’s Challenge: Balancing Potential with Progress

Arne Slot has a reputation for blending youth with experienced quality, but with Liverpool returning to domestic dominance by lifting the Premier League title in his first season, there’s little room for extended development projects in the matchday squad.

If Slot does greenlight Doak’s departure, it will likely be with confidence that the club are well-stocked in attacking positions, especially with the emergence of Kaide Gordon and the consistency of Luis Díaz.

Still, letting a talent like Doak leave permanently, especially to Everton, would be a bold call. It would signal a shift in Liverpool’s attitude towards intra-city transfers and could challenge fans to rethink long-held taboos about dealings with their blue neighbours.

Final Thoughts

David Lynch’s analysis paints a picture of a young player at a career crossroads. Whether it’s Everton, Bournemouth or elsewhere, Ben Doak looks set to take the next big step. Liverpool, meanwhile, must weigh sentiment against progress as they plot their future under Slot.

One thing is clear: Doak will be one to watch wherever he lands. And thanks to David Lynch and Dave Davis at Anfield Index, we’ve had a clear window into the conversations shaping that decision.