Report: Ben Doak's big move - Bournemouth seal £25m deal as Liverpool eye Alexander Isak

The transfer marks another significant departure for the Reds, who have been reshaping their squad under new manager Arne Slot.

The 19-year-old Scotland international, signed from Celtic for just 600,000 pounds in 2022, has been classified as a homegrown talent at Anfield. His sale represents a massive profit for Liverpool, who have already raised around 140 million pounds from the exits of homegrown stars like Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tyler Morton, alongside big-name departures like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.

"This deal is pure profit for Liverpool, showcasing their ability to develop and sell talent," said transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X.

Bournemouth have moved quickly to secure Doak, who impressed during a loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in 24 appearances before a thigh injury cut his campaign short.

The Cherries, led by manager Andoni Iraola, see Doak as a dynamic addition to their attack, particularly as they prepare to lose winger Dango Ouattara to Brentford in a 42.5 million pound deal. "Doak's pace and potential make him a perfect fit for our ambitious project," Iraola said, highlighting the club's intent to climb the Premier League table.

The transfer has been confirmed as all but done, with Romano stating on X: "Ben Doak to Bournemouth, here we go! Deal in place with Liverpool for 25 million pound transfer fee. Porto are no longer in the mix since Tuesday. Formal steps to follow next." Liverpool's decision to withdraw Doak from their squad for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth further signals the deal's completion.

"Ben Doak has been withdrawn from Liverpool's squad tonight for the game with Bournemouth," reported The Times' Paul Joyce on X.

Doak's departure is bittersweet for Liverpool fans, who saw glimpses of his talent in his 10 first-team appearances and four pre-season outings under Slot. However, with Mohamed Salah firmly entrenched on the right wing, Doak's path to regular minutes was blocked.

"It's tough to lose a talent like Ben, but this move gives him the chance to shine," said former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, reflecting the sentiment among supporters.

The ripple effects of Doak's transfer could aid Liverpool's ambitious transfer plans. The Reds have their sights set on Newcastle's Alexander Isak, with reports indicating they are preparing a second bid after an initial 120 million pound offer was rejected. Newcastle have made it clear they won't let Isak leave without securing replacements, with Brentford's Yoane Wissa expected to join the Magpies.

Bournemouth's signing of Doak facilitates their sale of Ouattara to Brentford, creating a domino effect that could open the door for Isak's move to Anfield. "If Newcastle secure their targets, Liverpool will push again for Isak," Romano noted on X.

Liverpool's transfer strategy under Slot has been bold, with the Reds already spending heavily on new signings like Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong, who featured in their Community Shield starting lineup. The funds from Doak's sale provide further financial flexibility as they chase high-profile targets like Isak and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.

For Bournemouth, landing Doak is a coup, signaling their intent to compete with the Premier League's bigger clubs. The Cherries have also bolstered their squad with signings like goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and centre-back Bafode Diakite, while banking profits from sales like Ouattara and Milos Kerkez, the latter sold to Liverpool for 40 million pounds.

As Doak prepares to embark on a new chapter on the south coast, Liverpool are poised to reinvest their profits in their pursuit of Premier League glory. The young Scot's move could prove to be a pivotal moment in the transfer market's intricate web.