Two Premier League Clubs Launch £20m Bids to Sign Liverpool Forward – Report | OneFootball

Transfer Speculations Heat Up for Ben Doak as Crystal Palace and Ipswich Circle

In the midst of an intensely speculative transfer window, Ben Doak has emerged as a hot commodity, drawing attention from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town with £20m bids. According to a recent report from The Guardian, both clubs are eager to secure the services of the 19-year-old forward, currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Liverpool.

Bidding War Escalates

Initially rejected £15m bids from both Crystal Palace and Ipswich signify a keen interest in Doak, who has made a name for himself in the Championship. Under the management of Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough, Doak has impressed, notching two goals and six assists in 21 appearances. His contributions on the field have caught the eye of several clubs, prompting Crystal Palace’s sporting director, Dougie Freedman, to earmark him as a primary target.

Photo: IMAGO

“Liverpool thought to be holding out for closer to £30m for the 19-year-old,” reports The Guardian. This figure highlights the value Liverpool places on their young star, suggesting they expect a fierce bidding war or hope to retain his services. Crystal Palace, aiming to bolster their attack, is expected to make an improved offer in the hope of persuading Liverpool to part ways with Doak.

Championship Performance Draws Eyes

Doak’s performance in the Championship has not gone unnoticed. Having made his international debut for Scotland in September, before a regrettable injury led to his withdrawal from Steve Clarke’s squad for Euro 2024, Doak has demonstrated his potential on multiple fronts.

“Palace hope an improved offer may tempt Liverpool into selling a player they signed from Celtic in March 2022 after paying about £600,000 in compensation,” The Guardian notes. This strategic move by Palace could be seen as an attempt to capitalise on Liverpool’s investment, turning a significant profit on their initial outlay.

Other Clubs in the Mix

While Palace and Ipswich are the most vocal suitors, other clubs like Fulham and Brentford have also been linked with Doak. His accolade as the EFL’s young player of the month in November only adds to his growing reputation, making him one of the most sought-after young talents in British football.

The competition for his signature is expected to be stiff, with each club looking to strengthen their squad for different reasons. Ipswich, similar to Palace, has been monitoring Doak’s progress closely, ready to challenge any offer that comes their way.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the interest in Ben Doak comes as no surprise. His loan spell at Middlesbrough has been nothing short of a revelation, showcasing a blend of youth, pace, and creativity that’s rare in up-and-coming talents. Under Arne Slot’s management, Liverpool’s strategy seems to be nurturing young talent, and Doak fits this mould perfectly.

However, the possibility of a £20m bid being accepted poses a critical question: should Liverpool cash in now or wait for his potential to mature, possibly increasing his market value? With Arne Slot at the helm, there’s a new tactical approach that might or might not favour Doak’s style of play. If Slot sees a role for him in the first team, holding onto him could be beneficial. Yet, the substantial funds from his sale could be reinvested into strengthening the squad in areas more in need of immediate improvement.

In the ever-evolving football landscape, Liverpool fans will be watching closely, hoping the club’s decisions align with a broader strategy of sustainable success and continuity. The decision to sell or keep Doak could very well reflect the club’s ambition and strategic direction under Slot’s nascent regime.