Liverpool confirm Ben Doak move to Bournemouth — but insert clause fans will love

Liverpool have confirmed the departure of forward Ben Doak to AFC Bournemouth on a permanent deal.

The Scottish winger joins Bournemouth in a deal worth £25 million, bringing Liverpool’s total revenue from player sales to £216m.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League holders inserted a buy-back clause into the agreement with the Cherries, ensuring they have control over the future of the talented forward.

Only three players played more minutes for Liverpool than Doak in pre-season, underscoring how highly manager Arne Slot rates the left-footed winger.

However, the productive longevity of Mohamed Salah will make it challenging for him to get enough playing time at Anfield.

By contrast, he stands a better chance of getting more minutes at Bournemouth as he has joined the club as a replacement for Dango Ouattara, who has joined Brentford for £42.5m.

Doak joined Liverpool as an academy player from Scottish side Celtic for £600,000 in 2022. He debuted for the first team the same year, coming on as a substitute in a 3–2 penalty shoot-out win against Derby County in the third round of the EFL Cup at Anfield.

Five days later, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut in a 3-1 win at Aston Villa, becoming the sixth youngest Scottish player to play in the English top-flight.

The 19-year-old was on loan with Championship outfit Middlesbrough last season, where he impressed, bagging three goals and seven assists in 24 appearances. He suffered a thigh injury, which ended his campaign.

Doak’s departure will count as pure profit for Liverpool, being an academy player, allowing them to continue their summer spree.

The Merseyside outfit wants to sign another attacker before the end of the transfer window, with Alexander Isak being their primary target. At the same time, they want to bolster their defence and are in talks with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi.