Liverpool Weigh up £25m Ben Doak Transfer as Bournemouth Talks Progress
Credit to Paul Joyce of The Times for the original reporting. Liverpool could be set for another high-profile summer departure, with Scotland international Ben Doak in discussions over a move to AFC Bournemouth. Talks between the clubs are understood to have reached an advanced stage, with a fee in the region of £25 million being discussed.
This development comes as the Reds finalise their deal for Parma’s 18-year-old centre-back Geovanni Leoni. The Italian prospect arrived in England on Thursday and, according to Fabrizio Romano, has already completed the “main part of his medical”.
Bournemouth Interest Driven by Attacking Needs
Andoni Iraola’s side are expected to lose forward Dango Ouattara to Brentford, creating a gap in their attacking options. Doak’s direct style and pace appear to make him a natural fit for the south coast club.
The move could form part of a chain of transfers that also sees Yoane Wissa join Newcastle United, with knock-on effects for Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak. Whether that materialises remains to be seen, but Bournemouth’s push for Doak appears genuine and strategic.
Ben Doak has been withdrawn from Liverpool squad tonight for game with Bournemouth.
Bournemouth looking to seal deal of around £25m.— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) August 15, 2025
Limited Opportunities at Anfield
Doak has been withdrawn from the Liverpool squad for tonight’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth at Anfield, a decision that underlines the seriousness of the talks. Porto have also been credited with interest, but Bournemouth are understood to be ahead in negotiations.
Opportunities for the young winger were expected to be limited this season. Mo Salah remains first choice on the right wing, and new signing Jeremie Frimpong is set to provide depth in that role. Arne Slot could also deploy Dominik Szoboszlai there if required, further reducing Doak’s chances of regular minutes.
Other Clubs Tracking Doak
Earlier in the summer, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United were also monitoring the situation. However, Bournemouth appear to have moved quickly, positioning themselves as favourites to secure the deal before the window closes.
With Liverpool’s transfer spending this summer requiring sales to balance the books, Doak’s potential exit would align with a strategy focused on funding further squad strengthening.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
This feels like another case of short-term necessity over long-term vision. Ben Doak has shown flashes of genuine talent and energy, the kind of raw quality that excites fans and puts defenders on the back foot. At just 19, selling him now for £25 million might look good on a balance sheet, but it also risks losing a player who could have developed into a key figure for years.
Supporters will understand that sales are sometimes needed to fund new arrivals, especially after a summer of big spending. Still, watching another young, homegrown talent walk away is difficult to stomach, especially when we have seen similar scenarios play out before.
The argument that Salah’s presence blocks Doak’s path is valid, but Salah will not be around forever. In two or three years, we might be looking for exactly the kind of winger Doak could become. Selling him to a Premier League rival, where he could come back to haunt us, makes it even harder to take.
The opening game tonight is supposed to be about excitement and momentum. Instead, there is an uneasy feeling that a promising piece of Liverpool’s future is slipping away before he ever truly got his chance.
