Bournemouth have made a bold statement in the summer transfer market by landing highly-rated Scottish winger Ben Doak from Liverpool, in a deal that could be worth up to £25 million. The 19-year-old, who has already earned six caps for Scotland, penned a five-year contract at Vitality Stadium, signaling the Cherries’ intent to reinforce their attacking options as they prepare for another challenging Premier League campaign.
Doak’s arrival comes on the heels of significant outgoing business for Bournemouth, who have reinvested a portion of their summer windfall from several high-profile departures. The club recently bid farewell to forward Dango Ouattara, who joined Brentford for a hefty £42.5 million, as well as defenders Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez, whose combined sales to Paris St Germain, Real Madrid, and Liverpool, respectively, brought in around £150 million. With these funds, Bournemouth have not only secured Doak but also added goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, left-back Adrien Truffert, and centre-back Bafode Diakite, spending approximately £70 million on the trio.
The signing of Doak is particularly notable as he is seen as a direct replacement for Ouattara, who was a key figure in the Cherries’ attack last season. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will be hoping that the young Scot can hit the ground running and help fill the void left by the outgoing stars. The timing couldn’t be better, with Doak potentially set to make his debut in front of the home fans against Wolves this coming Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Doak’s journey to the south coast has been a whirlwind. He began his professional career with Celtic, where his talents quickly caught the eye of scouts across the UK. In 2022, Liverpool swooped in to sign him for a reported £600,000. While opportunities at Anfield were limited, with Doak making just 10 appearances—including three as a Premier League substitute—his potential was never in doubt. The 2024-25 season saw him loaned out to Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he truly came into his own.
During his loan spell at Middlesbrough, Doak featured in 24 matches, scoring three goals and registering seven assists. His 10 goal involvements were among the highest for the club, with only Finn Azaz providing more assists (11) for Boro during the campaign. Unfortunately, Doak’s momentum was halted by a hamstring injury in January, which cut his season short. Despite this setback, his performances were enough to convince Bournemouth of his quality and potential as a long-term asset.
Reflecting on his move, Doak couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “I’m buzzing to be here. I feel like it’s the right time for me, and it’s a great opportunity to play regular football at the highest level. It feels like the perfect fit,” he said. The winger also praised Bournemouth’s style of play, adding, “The team play very nice football. It’s fast, and it really suits my game, so I felt like I couldn’t say no to the chance to play here.”
Bournemouth’s transfer strategy this summer has been both ambitious and calculated. By reinvesting the proceeds from major sales, the club has managed to strengthen multiple areas of the squad, bringing in both experience and youthful promise. The addition of Doak, alongside the arrivals of Petrovic, Truffert, and Diakite, underscores the club’s commitment to building a side capable of competing in the Premier League for years to come.
From Liverpool’s perspective, Doak’s departure is part of a broader reshuffling under new management. The reigning Premier League champions have now allowed seven players to leave during the summer window, bringing their total player sales close to the £200 million mark. Doak was not involved in Liverpool’s recent 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, a match that kicked off the new season with a bang for Arne Slot’s side.
For Bournemouth fans, the excitement around Doak’s arrival is palpable. The club has a history of nurturing young talent, and supporters will be hoping that the Scottish international can follow in the footsteps of previous breakout stars. His versatility on the wing, combined with his pace and directness, make him a tantalizing prospect for the Premier League. At just 19, Doak already boasts valuable experience at both club and international level, having represented Scotland on six occasions.
Doak’s career trajectory has been impressive. After making his professional debut with Celtic, he quickly earned a reputation as one of Scotland’s brightest young talents. His move to Liverpool in 2022 was seen as a major step up, and while first-team minutes were hard to come by, the experience of training alongside world-class players at Anfield undoubtedly aided his development. The loan spell at Middlesbrough proved to be a turning point, giving him a taste of regular senior football and allowing him to showcase his creativity and work rate.
The transfer also highlights the growing trend of Premier League clubs investing heavily in young, homegrown talent. With transfer fees continuing to soar, clubs like Bournemouth are looking to the next generation to provide both immediate impact and long-term value. The reported structure of the Doak deal—an initial £20 million payment with up to £5 million in add-ons—reflects both the player’s current ability and his potential to develop into a top-level performer.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Doak as he prepares for his possible debut against Wolves. The match offers the perfect stage for the youngster to announce himself to the Bournemouth faithful and begin repaying the club’s significant investment. With a new-look squad and renewed optimism, the Cherries will be eager to make a strong start to the season and build momentum under Iraola’s guidance.
As the transfer window edges towards its conclusion, Bournemouth’s business—capped by the signing of Ben Doak—has set tongues wagging across the Premier League. Whether the young Scot can live up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Vitality Stadium is brimming with anticipation for what promises to be an exciting new chapter.
