Premier League side AFC Bournemouth have opened negotiations to sign Scotland international winger Ben Doak from Liverpool, in a deal that could be worth up to £25 million.
The 19-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Celtic in 2022, has made just 10 first-team appearances for the Reds. He is expected to be left out of Liverpool’s squad for their Premier League season opener against Bournemouth, further signaling a potential move.
Sources close to the deal confirm that while other clubs — including Portuguese giants FC Porto and a few unnamed Premier League sides — have expressed interest, Bournemouth have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to secure Doak’s signature.
Negotiation Tensions Over Valuation
Liverpool are holding firm on their £25 million valuation, but Bournemouth are reportedly trying to negotiate the price down. Their bargaining power may be strengthened by the recent sale of winger Dango Ouattara to Brentford for £42.5 million, freeing up both funds and a place in the squad.
Doak’s 2024/25 loan spell at Middlesbrough saw him shine in the Championship, netting three goals and providing seven assists across 24 appearances. His performances impressed scouts and rekindled interest in the young Scot, who already has six caps for the Scotland senior team.
Bournemouth’s Summer Rebuild
Under head coach Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have had a turbulent summer transfer window, having lost key defenders Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez in transfers totalling around £150 million.
In response, the Cherries have reinforced their squad with the signings of:
Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic
Left-back Adrien Truffert
Centre-back Bafode Diakite
Forward Eli Junior Kroupi, who returned from loan at Lorient
Manager Iraola acknowledged the team is “not where they want to be” ahead of their season opener at Anfield but promised “important movements” in the final weeks of the transfer window.
If the deal goes through, the move to Bournemouth could offer Doak:
Regular Premier League football
A clearer development path
A key attacking role in a young, dynamic team
The deal is seen as mutually beneficial — Liverpool can raise funds to reinvest, while Bournemouth get a promising attacker who can grow into a first-team regular.
With the transfer window closing on September 1, both clubs are under pressure to finalize the deal quickly.
Key Facts about Ben Doak
Age: 19
Nationality: Scottish
Current Club: Liverpool
Former Club: Celtic
International Caps: 6 (Scotland senior team)
2024/25 Loan: Middlesbrough – 3 goals, 7 assists (24 appearances)
Bournemouth’s pursuit of Ben Doak is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of the summer. If the clubs can agree on a fee, Doak may soon be making waves on the south coast.
