Ben Doak had a great loan spell with Middlesbrough this season.
There is still ambiguity over what the future holds for Middlesbrough loan star Ben Doak, as opposing views emerged concerning Liverpool’s stance this weekend.
Doak had a tremendous season at Boro, making 24 appearances, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. The thigh injury that required surgery and forced him to finish his season prematurely in February was especially costly for Boro, coming only a week after they were celebrating the fact that he would not be recalled by Liverpool.
There had been speculation that he may be recalled during the winter transfer window, with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town making approaches for the 19-year-old winger. However, with Liverpool holding out for £30 million, the Scotland international remained on Teesside, albeit only briefly.
Now that Doak has returned to Merseyside after demonstrating his star qualities in a Boro shirt, the question remains: what does the future hold for him? Unfortunately, he is unlikely to return to Boro next season, given Arne Slot’s decision to either give him an opportunity at Liverpool or sell/loan him to a Premier League team. This weekend, conflicting information arose regarding Liverpool’s plans.
Liverpool academy specialist Lewis Bower told the Anfield Index that Doak, along with Blackburn Rovers loan star Owen Beck, could be given a chance to impress in preseason this summer. He said: “Ben Doak is really exciting, and he has done well on loan at Middlesbrough this season.
“I was told that Slot only requested detailed reports on two guys. Both Doak and Beck will be given a chance in pre-season before making a decision, although both players will be highly sought after.”
Liverpool, on the other hand, has agreed to pay €25 million for Jeremie Frimpong this summer. The Leverkusen star is anticipated to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back, although he can also play on the right wing. The Athletic’s James Pearce believes that might jeopardise Doak’s chances.
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