Liverpool has been reminded of Ben Doak’s quality by a glowing assessment from Michael Carrick. Even though the teenager’s loan spell at Middlesbrough has been brought to an end through injury, his manager has hailed how “everyone benefited” from the switch.
Doak had already confirmed that he would not play again this season following surgery on a thigh injury. That’s despite Boro retaining an outside chance of reaching the Championship playoffs, on what promises to be an exciting final day of the regular season.
Instead, he will return to Liverpool, where he will set his sights on impressing Arne Slot. But the right winger still has the rather large challenge of ousting Mohamed Salah, with Federico Chiesa now in the mix as well.
After a testing debut season, Chiesa’s own future at Anfield is now up for debate. Even so, Liverpool could potentially sanction a permanent departure for Doak as well.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool is “braced” for interest in Doak. And while it is not actively looking to sell, it would consider a transfer for a sum in excess of $40 million (£30 million).
In fairness, that kind of figure reflects the truth in Carrick’s words. Prior to his injury, Doak was able to prove that his talents were comfortably ready for Championship level, raising the genuine possibility that Liverpool might be able to cash in for something like 50 times what it paid to Celtic in compensation back in 2022.
“It was a loan move that proved successful in both ways,” said Carrick, reflecting on Doak’s three goals and seven assists in his time at Middlesbrough. “Obviously, it’s unfortunate in the way it got cut short, particularly at the time it did and for how long.
“Ben had a big impact for us, and I think he’s benefited from being with us personally as well, which also helps Liverpool. I think everything felt the benefit of that move.”
(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Even if it is only in the form of increased resale value, Liverpool will certainly feel it has reaped the rewards of picking a smart loan destination. That being said, Slot will no doubt want to assess Doak for himself before signing off on a sale, witnessing the effect that regular senior football has had on the 19-year-old.
After all, even with his new contract, Salah will not remain at Liverpool forever. Likewise, Chiesa does not look like the long-term future on the right-wing.
If Doak is already easily good enough for a promotion-chasing Championship team, it’s surely not beyond the realms of possibility that he could ultimately make the grade at Anfield. As Carrick said, the loan has ensured that Liverpool is getting back a better player than the one it sent out.
With that in mind, perhaps the wisest move would be another loan for Doak next season. Should he be made available, Carrick’s Middlesbrough will no doubt be keen, although there would be plenty of competition.
Another season of development at the top end of the Championship, or maybe the lower reaches of the Premier League, could set Doak up to come back and really challenge under Slot the following summer. It wouldn’t hurt that Salah would be another year older either.
But whatever path Liverpool chooses to take, Doak is a wonderful asset to have on the books. Carrick’s assessment speaks volumes, and one way or another, Slot is set to benefit from the talents of the young Scot.
