In a dramatic turn of events, Liverpool face a last-minute crisis as young star Ben Doak has been withdrawn from the squad set to face Bournemouth in the Premier League’s inaugural match at Anfield. The 19-year-old Scottish international is on the verge of completing a £25 million ($33.91 million) transfer to the Cherries, leaving Liverpool scrambling just hours before kickoff.
Doak, who joined Liverpool from Celtic in 2022 for £600,000 ($814,000), was once hailed as a bright prospect under former manager Jurgen Klopp. However, injuries and fierce competition for places have limited his first-team opportunities at Anfield. After a loan spell at Championship side Middlesbrough last season, Doak is now eager for regular Premier League action, prompting his potential move to Bournemouth. The Cherries have outmaneuvered interest from Porto and Stuttgart to secure the winger’s signature.
This transfer could trigger a domino effect across the Premier League. Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara is reportedly attracting interest from Brentford, with a potential deal worth up to £42.5 million ($57.65 million). This, in turn, could see Brentford’s Yoane Wissa move to Newcastle, who are seeking attacking reinforcements. However, Newcastle’s interest in Wissa is not as a replacement for their star striker Alexander Isak, who has been the subject of speculation amid a rejected bid from Liverpool.
In a press conference ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa, manager Eddie Howe addressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Isak. “Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case,” Howe stated, emphasizing his focus on preparing for the upcoming match. Despite a flurry of questions about the 25-year-old Swedish forward, Howe remained tight-lipped, adding, “I’ve had a great relationship with Alex. He’s contracted to us, but it’s out of my hands.”
For Liverpool, Doak’s imminent departure adds to the challenges facing new manager Arne Slot as he navigates his first Premier League campaign. The loss of the promising youngster, coupled with the failed pursuit of Isak, leaves the Reds in a precarious position as they prepare to face a Bournemouth side bolstered by their latest acquisition. Fans at Anfield will be hoping the team can overcome this late setback and kick off the season on a positive note.
As the transfer window nears its close, the ripple effects of Doak’s move highlight the frenetic nature of the market, with clubs across the Premier League racing to finalize deals that could shape their campaigns.