Ornstein: Liverpool Reject £16m Ipswich Bid for Rising Star | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Firm Stance on Ben Doak: What It Means for the Club’s Future

Liverpool’s determination to keep hold of Ben Doak, despite bids from Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace, signals a significant vote of confidence in the young winger’s potential. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the Anfield club recently turned down a £16 million offer from Ipswich, having already rejected a £15 million bid from Crystal Palace earlier in the week. Doak’s progress at Middlesbrough, where he is currently on loan, has clearly impressed Liverpool’s hierarchy.

Ben Doak’s Journey to Middlesbrough

The 19-year-old Scotland international joined Middlesbrough on loan this summer and has since helped Michael Carrick’s side push for a play-off spot in the Championship. With two goals in 20 appearances, Doak has become a regular feature at the Riverside Stadium.

Liverpool’s preference is for Doak to remain at Middlesbrough for the duration of the 2024-25 campaign unless a club meets their valuation of the player. It’s clear they see the loan spell as a vital part of his development. According to Ornstein, Liverpool consider Doak the best young player in the Championship and would be eager to sign him themselves if he weren’t already on their books.

Photo: @LFC

Ipswich Town are reportedly keen to bolster their attacking options to ensure survival in the Premier League after gaining promotion last season. Their pursuit of Doak underlines their urgency to secure talent that could make an immediate impact. However, Liverpool’s valuation and their long-term vision for the player make any departure unlikely in the short term.

Why Liverpool Value Doak So Highly

Ben Doak’s rise to prominence began when he joined Liverpool from Celtic in 2022. His early performances for the academy were electric, catching the eye with his blistering pace and direct approach. He made his first-team debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Derby County in November 2022 and later appeared in the Premier League against Aston Villa.

Despite missing a large portion of the 2023-24 season due to knee surgery, Liverpool remain convinced of his potential. His six caps for Scotland underline his rising status in the national team setup. Andy Jones, a Liverpool correspondent, highlighted the club’s belief in Doak’s ability to become a key player for manager Arne Slot in the coming years.

Liverpool’s decision to reject substantial bids for Doak also reflects their broader strategy of nurturing homegrown talent. With Mohamed Salah’s future still in question and Federico Chiesa competing for minutes on the right flank, Doak could eventually step into a more prominent role at Anfield. The club’s approach is not just about immediate financial gain but about investing in a future core of players who understand the ethos and expectations of Liverpool FC.

Ipswich’s Continued Pursuit

For Ipswich, the search for attacking reinforcements is a matter of urgency. Having narrowly missed out on signing Wilson Odobert and Jaden Philogene in the summer—who instead joined Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, respectively—the club is determined to avoid a swift return to the Championship.

However, Liverpool’s firm stance on Doak will make it difficult for Ipswich to secure the winger’s services. Ipswich may need to turn their attention to alternative targets, but their continued interest is a testament to Doak’s growing reputation.

Doak’s progression at Middlesbrough has shown that he is capable of excelling at senior level. Liverpool’s decision to keep him at the Riverside Stadium for now is a calculated move aimed at ensuring he develops in a competitive environment without the immediate pressure of the Premier League.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the club’s refusal to part with Ben Doak is an encouraging sign. The days of letting promising young players slip through the cracks appear to be over. There’s a sense of expectation around Doak, reminiscent of the anticipation that once surrounded Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rise through the ranks.

That said, some supporters may feel concerned about Doak’s pathway to regular first-team football, especially with established stars like Salah and Chiesa ahead of him. The question remains: Will Doak get enough opportunities at Anfield, or will he be loaned out repeatedly until his potential is realised elsewhere?

For Ipswich fans, the club’s ambitious pursuit of a player like Doak highlights their intent to stay in the Premier League. The frustration of missing out on key targets must be mounting, but their determination is commendable.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s handling of Doak’s development could set a precedent for how the club manages its brightest prospects. Ensuring he gets the right opportunities, at the right time, will be crucial. For now, keeping him at Middlesbrough seems the right move.