‘Big worry’ – Ben Doak to Bournemouth claim made as Liverpool exit nears
Bournemouth have been warned over Ben Doak’s injury record as they close in on signing the Liverpool youngster.
The Cherries have suffered a tough transfer window after losing Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi to Real Madrid and PSG, respectively.
Meanwhile, Dango Ouattara is set to join Brentford, handing Andoni Iraola yet another blow in the transfer market.
However, Bournemouth are closing in on Doak’s signature as they plot to replace the Burkina Faso international.
Bournemouth warned over Doak’s injury record as move for Liverpool star nears
Doak enjoyed a successful loan spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough last term, notching three goals and seven assists before sustaining a thigh injury.
The Scotland international has made just 10 senior appearances for Liverpool since joining from Celtic in 2022.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele shared via X on Friday, 15 August: “Good player, Ben Doak. Fast, direct and creative.
“Like a Tasmanian devil’ as Virgil Van Dijk once said.
“But a big worry over his injury record. If he can stay fit, a great buy. By the same token, £25million-ish for a player they bought for £600k is stellar business from.”
As reported by The Guardian on 15 August, Bournemouth are set to pay £25m to sign the Liverpool man.
Doak could be strong Ouattara replacement for Bournemouth
Football Insider verdict
Alongside the exits of Huijsen and Zabarnyi, Bournemouth have also lost Milos Kerkez to Liverpool.
The left-back’s first Premier League appearance for the North West side is set to come against his former club at Anfield on Friday.
| Ben Doak stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 24 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 7 |
But one departure that Iraola can effectively deal with is that of Ouattara, as Doak could prove himself as a worthy replacement for the 23-year-old.
The Scotland international proved he can cause problems in the final third when he was at Middlesbrough last term, while the teenager still boasts plenty of potential.
Ouattara notched a decent Premier League return of seven goals and four assists last term, but Doak could match those numbers if he can keep himself fit.
However, as alluded to by Steele, if the former Celtic and Boro man suffers further injury setbacks, his move to Bournemouth could prove to be a better deal for Liverpool than for the Cherries.