Bournemouth have completed the signing of highly-rated Scotland winger Ben Doak from Liverpool in a deal worth £25 million, with the teenager putting pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Vitality Stadium.
The 19-year-old was absent from Liverpool’s squad for Friday night’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, as negotiations between the two clubs advanced quickly, undergoing a medical over the weekend before finalising terms with the Cherries, who identified him as the ideal replacement for Dango Ouattara. The Burkina Faso international joined Brentford for £42.5 million on Saturday, paving the way for Doak’s arrival.
Doak’s switch marks a significant profit for Liverpool, who paid just £600,000 to bring him from Celtic’s academy in 2022. In total, he made 10 senior appearances for the Reds before spending last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he registered three goals and seven assists in 24 appearances prior to a thigh injury cutting short his campaign.
The sale will be regarded as pure profit in Liverpool’s accounts, further strengthening their position with regard to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
His exit follows a series of high-profile departures this summer, taking Liverpool’s total income from sales to over £215 million. Other exits include Luis Díaz to Barcelona (£65m), Darwin Núñez to Al Hilal (£45m), Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen (£35m), Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford (£18m), Lyon signing midfielder Tyler Morton £15m), and Nat Phillips to West Brom (£3m).
Doak’s £25 million fee makes him the 15th-most expensive sale in Liverpool’s history.
The Cherries moved decisively to beat off interest from a number of rivals, including Porto, West Ham United and Everton, after indicating they were prepared to meet Liverpool’s valuation.
Both Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town had previously made enquiries in January, but their offers closer to £15 million fell short of the Reds’ asking price.
Despite being regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Liverpool’s academy, Doak’s path to the first team was blocked by the enduring presence of Mohamed Salah on the right wing. While new head coach Arne Slot gave the teenager ample minutes during pre-season, with only Salah, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha playing more, the promise of regular top-flight football elsewhere proved decisive.
At just 19, Doak offers pace, direct dribbling and creativity, qualities that the Cherries hope will translate into consistent Premier League performances. The move also provides the winger with the platform to play regular Premier League football, something that was never guaranteed at Anfield given the fierce competition for attacking places.
The transfer highlights Bournemouth’s determination to continue building under Andoni Iraola. The Scotland international now has the chance to establish himself as a regular in the Premier League, with the Vitality Stadium expected to provide a platform for his development at senior level.
For Liverpool, the deal continues what has been a summer of major squad reshaping under Slot, with he club’s net spend now stands at around £105 million. Teenage defender Giovanni Leoni became the club’s eighth signing when he completed a £26m move from Parma on Friday.
Doak’s exit leaves Slot with four recognised forwards to rotate in his preferred three-man system — Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike and Chiesa — all of whom starred in Friday night’s 4-2 victory over Bournemouth.
The transfer also underlines Liverpool’s growing reputation for developing and selling academy at significant profit. However, the Reds ensured a buyback clause was included because they believe Doak has elite potential, and regular first-team starts could yet see them return for him in the future.
