‘Crystal Palace to revisit Ben Doak interest amid Eberechi Eze uncertainty’
Crystal Palace are braced for the expected departure of star Eberechi Eze and could reignite their pursuit of Liverpool’s Ben Doak.
As exclusively revealed by Football Insider in April, Palace are one interested club in 19-year-old Doak and Liverpool will demand £30million for the forward.
The Scottish international started his senior career at Celtic before joining Liverpool in 2022 and Palace had a bid rejected for Doak in January.
Whilst at the Reds, Doak has been loaned out to Championship club Middlesborough scoring three goals in 24 appearances at the club.
Limited opportunities at Liverpool could hinder Doak
Eze is likely to leave Selhurst Park this summer as the 27-year-old has a £68m release clause in his contract.
Arsenal, Spurs and Bayern Munich are all in the race for the England international.
Palace are preparing for the future if they capture Doak, as the Scot has impressed when starting with his direct wing play, pace and creativity.
Doak would get opportunities at Palace, whilst Liverpool are stacked with attacking options including Mo Salah and £100m purchase Florian Wirtz.
It would be a logical step in Doak’s career to leave Anfield and fight for his place elsewhere, where he will be guaranteed more opportunities.
| Appearances | 65 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 15 |
If he stays at Liverpool, Doak will not get near the starting eleven and his development may be stalled which would hinder himself and Scotland.
Eze void shouldn’t be held against Doak
It would take a star player to replace the flair and technical skill of Eze, so there should be no pressure on Doak to become the team’s main man from the off.
Palace have previous history, like with Eze and Romain Esse, of signing young talent and nurturing them into the first team.
Oliver Glasner likes to play attacking football, so Doak could flourish in such an environment.
Glasner’s transfer business has been quiet so far as the club await UEFA’ final verdict on whether they will enter the Europa League last season.
Palace qualified for the competition following their FA Cup victory over Manchester City, but multi club ownership rules mean they may not be able to compete in Europe.
The uncertainty is not helping the club plan their transfer activity so a deal for Doak, or any other player, may come later in the window.
The future of Eze will also decide their budget, which could be crucial as Palace don’t want to pay Liverpool’s hefty asking price for Doak.