Liverpool is reportedly considering using their highly-rated winger Ben Doak as a bargaining chip to secure Bournemouth’s star player Antoine Semenyo, with the Ghana international attracting attention from top Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. It’s certainly someone Michael Owen has identified as the perfect Mohamed Salah replacement.
The Reds’ interest in Semenyo is no secret, although he despises playing against Liverpool. And even with Arne Slot being on course to clinch the Premier League title in his debut season, the Dutch manager is anticipated to overhaul his attacking line-up for the 2025-26 season.
With Mohamed Salah‘s contract expiring in the summer and potentially leaving on a free transfer, and the futures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa at Anfield uncertain, Semenyo is viewed as a potential replacement.
Rumors are now circulating that Liverpool might propose a deal involving one of their promising young talents to Bournemouth to persuade them to part with Semenyo, who is also on Arsenal’s radar. According to The Northern Echo, the future of Doak, who has spent the season on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough, is yet to be decided.
Bournemouth has shown interest in the 19 year old ahead of the next season, which could pave the way for negotiations over an ambitious player-plus-cash deal. Doak, who signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool in September 2023, is valued at around $32.3 million (£25 million).
It’s not just Bournemouth showing interest in snapping up Doak during the upcoming summer transfer window; Crystal Palace has their sights set on him as well. However, Palace’s pursuit seems to have waned after sporting director Dougie Freedman left the scene – he was believed to be leading the charge for the Liverpool prospect.
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This leaves the door open for Bournemouth to potentially scoot to the front of the queue, possibly proposing a part-exchange deal featuring Doak as part of an arrangement for Semenyo. The latter, who has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s campaign for a spot in European competition with nine goals and five assists, is also on Arsenal’s radar.
Doak has been making waves at Middlesbrough, recording three goals and seven assists himself. Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has previously lauded Doak for his drive and contribution to the team.
“He’s got really good enthusiasm for playing,” he said. “That comes through in the way he plays. He’s always looking to be so positive and direct. Listen, there are obviously levels to decision-making, and he still needs to work on that, to sense what’s dangerous and when to dribble and when not to dribble.
“But to have that kind of purpose about your work is so valuable. You see it in the energy and the willingness to keep trying things. It’s a real joy to see, and quite refreshing, really. He’s dangerous, and today, for the first goal, he delivered a great move and a great bit of play. I’m delighted that he got rewarded for all his good work.”
