Ben Doak, an 18-year-old forward with a daring dribbling breakthrough, joined Liverpool from Celtic in the summer of 2022.He made his Premier League debut in his first season, showing a powerful style of play for a then 16-year-old.
Last season, he was expected to make further progress, but an injury sidelined him for most of the season. Nevertheless, he was named in the Scotland squad for EURO 2024, but was ruled out due to injury.
Expectations were high at Liverpool, where he played in the pre-season with new manager Arne Slot, and he also played on the tour of the USA.
It was thought that he would be used mainly in cup competitions, but the club are considering a loan move to gain experience, with Leicester City and Southampton, who have been promoted to the Premier League, showing interest, according to The Athletic.
He has made 19 official appearances for Liverpool’s first team. Although he has made a fierce appeal to manager Slot to make up time from last season, it is difficult for him to be used regularly in a team with a strong squad of wingers.
If a club is willing to commit to playing a certain amount of time, it would be valuable to experience the top level, whether in the Premier League or the Championship. Harvey Elliott has made great strides in the past with his spell at Blackburn, and it would not be a stretch to follow a similar route.
At an age where playing is more important than warming the bench, a loan move would be the preferred option if a deal can be agreed. He will be in talks with the leaders as soon as he returns from America, but where will he play in the new season…?