Liverpool will reportedly only entertain the idea of Ben Doak joining Everton if their Merseyside rivals stump up £30m for him this summer.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a good season on loan at Middlesbrough this season, in what has proven to be a correct decision to send him to another club for the 2024/25 campaign.
Doak has three goals and seven assists to his name in the Championship this term, but unfortunately, injury problems have prevented him from playing since the end of January.
Liverpool have a big decision to make with the Scotland international at the end of the season, as the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes weigh up whether he is a strong squad option for Arne Slot.
According to a new update from Football Insider, the Reds will demand £30m for Doak’s signature when the current season comes to an end, with Everton mentioned as a potential destination.
Given the rivalry between the two clubs, it would clearly be a controversial piece of business, bringing back memories of Nick Barmby arriving at Liverpool back in 2000.
Should Liverpool sell or keep Doak this summer?
Liverpool have such a tough decision to make with Doak in the summer, considering what a raw and exciting talent he is, with James McFadden a big admirer, saying:
“It’s the willingness to take players on, take pressure off your team, and drag your side up the pitch. When he gets into the final third, he can’t get it right every time, but he is a threat. We mentioned his age and bringing that freshness, you think it’s going to be raw because we’ve not seen a lot of him. But he’s making good decisions to hold his position and run in behind and not getting too excited and rushing things.”
There is a risk element in Liverpool selling Doak, given the talent he possesses, but on the flip side, this could be a great opportunity to earn big money for a player who ultimately doesn’t have a long-term future at Anfield.
If the Reds add to their attacking depth this summer, it is easy to once again see the Scot struggling for playing time. For that reason, cashing in now could make the most sense.
That said, no Liverpool supporter should want to see him in an Everton shirt, especially if he goes on to be a superstar for the Blues, so a move to a different club is preferable.
