'Unemployed' at Liverpool, Talented Winger Ben Doak Joins AFC Bournemouth

Muhe - Tuesday, 19 August 2025 | 05:00 PM (WIB)

'Unemployed' at Liverpool, Talented Winger Ben Doak Joins AFC Bournemouth

In a move that has sent shivers of intrigue throughout the footballing world, young Scottish winger in Ben Doak officially left the hallowed turf of Anfield for the sun-drenched south coast, completing his move from Liverpool to Bournemouth. At just 18 years old, this isn't just another transaction - at least I am viewing it as a moment, a calculated jump for a player that has often been referenced as a future star.

From Celtic to Liverpool Academy

For those fans following Liverpool's Kirkby academy, Doak is not a new name. He joined from Celtic in 2022 and had already made a senior cap for the Hoops - also referred to as the Celts or the Bhoys. Straight away his electric pace, fearless dribbling and attacking intent distinguished him from his peers in Liverpool's youth side. Performances he showed for the U18s and U21s strongly indicated a player heading for higher accolades.

Klopp's Seal of Approval

Jürgen Klopp wasted no time in providing Doak the opportunity to play on the first-team stage. He made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Derby County, followed by a Premier League debut against Aston Villa and a Champions League appearance. Training with players such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk was a great experience for Doak. However, to play in the attacking positions for Liverpool FC is incredibly difficult, and game time was hard to come by in the early part of the 2023-2024 season.

Why Bournemouth Makes Sense

Which led us neatly to Bournemouth and the opportunity they offer for Doak to move where first team football is a genuine possibility. Minutes play an important role for a young player, just as much as oxygen. If he stayed at Liverpool FC, he would end up on the bench every week, which would have taken his development all but to zero, whereas at Bournemouth and in Andoni Iraola's attacking system, Doak will be well positioned to thrive. Bournemouth's attacking philosophy suits Doak's direct and energetic style to perfection.

A Platform for Growth

This transfer is not just a case of survival, it is a case of ambition. Bournemouth sees Doak not only as a squad player but a potential future star with the ability to run, press and vibrate energy in their attack. For Doak this is a case where from a "promising young player" at Liverpool he can move to "established premier league footballer", mistakes may come, but growth and maturity also under real pressure.

A Pragmatic Move for Liverpool

From Liverpool's perspective, allowing Doak to leave, is not always a failure of faith, with genuine competition for places, now a permanent transfer ensures the player's development, while Liverpool still retains (likely) sell-on clauses if Doak goes on to fulfil his potential. It is a pragmatic decision on talent management.

A Win-Win Situation

Overall, this appears to be a pleasant deal for everyone and a win-win situation. Bournemouth get a exciting winger that will put fans on the edge of their seats. Doak has the opportunity to play where he can shine away from the glare of the global superstars he currently plays alongside. For Scottish football, it is yet another young player fulfilling their potential in front of a world stage.