Godwin ObajeBen Doak: Merseyside Tug-of-War as Everton Eye Controversial Liverpool Starlet
There are few transfers in English football more contentious than those that cross the Merseyside divide. In the 21st century, direct moves between Liverpool and Everton have become rare to the point of folklore, their symbolic tension often more potent than the geographical proximity. But the potential transfer of Ben Doak from Liverpool to Everton could prove one of the most explosive developments of the summer—and one of the most intriguing stories in the evolution of a highly rated young career.
The 19-year-old Scotland international, heralded as one of the most exciting wingers to emerge from Liverpool’s youth setup in recent years, is now at the centre of a growing storm. Following a promising loan spell at Middlesbrough and amid a new managerial regime under Arne Slot, Doak’s future at Anfield hangs in the balance. Everton, reportedly among the keenest suitors, could offer him a Premier League lifeline—albeit in the unlikeliest of colours.
Slot’s Quiet Approval: A Door Opens
It’s understood that new Liverpool manager Arne Slot sanctioned Doak’s loan move to Middlesbrough early in his tenure, seeing it as a critical step in the teenager’s development. The decision appeared logical—Liverpool’s front line remained saturated with talent, and the teenager needed regular minutes to accelerate his growth curve. In the first half of the campaign, Doak showed glimpses of his brilliance on Teesside.
Three goals and seven assists before the turn of the year marked a respectable return for a wide player in his first full Championship season. Yet his progress was halted by misfortune. A thigh injury in January curtailed his season, ending what many inside Middlesbrough felt could have been a breakthrough campaign.
Despite the setback, Doak returned to Merseyside with more questions than answers. Would there be space for him at Liverpool in 2025/26?
According to The Athletic’s Walk On podcast, the answer appears to be no. Sources close to the club reportedly said that Doak is “unlikely to receive substantial minutes” under Slot, with the pecking order now even more congested. Not only does Mohamed Salah remain the de facto right winger at the club, but the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong, who thrives on the right flank, has complicated the scenario further.
The message? Doak’s pathway to the first team is all but blocked.
A Permanent Exit Looms
Liverpool are now believed to be open to letting Doak leave the club permanently. And that has triggered interest across the Premier League.
Sky Sports recently reported that Everton have emerged as a serious contender to sign Doak—an audacious move given the tribal intensity that defines the Merseyside rivalry. While such transfers are exceedingly rare, they are not unprecedented. Nick Barmby made the switch from Everton to Liverpool in 2000, and Abel Xavier moved the other way in 2002. But few have come with as much symbolic risk as this.
The potential backlash from fans on either side could be substantial. Yet for Everton, the allure is clear. They see in Doak not only a local capture, but also an opportunity to snatch a prized asset from under their neighbours’ noses.
£30 Million Price Tag: A Bridge Too Far?
One major stumbling block remains: Liverpool’s valuation. According to The Telegraph, the Reds are demanding a fee in the region of £30 million for Doak—a figure that may be difficult for Everton to reach, given their ongoing financial constraints and recent skirmishes with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
That valuation also raises a philosophical question: Is Doak truly worth £30 million at this stage of his career?
Those who have watched him closely at youth level would argue yes. Blessed with pace, balance, and a tenacious directness, Doak has been earmarked for stardom since arriving from Celtic in 2022. At his best, he evokes comparisons with young Raheem Sterling—an explosive, hard-running winger who can terrorise defences.
And his ceiling, many believe, is still very high.
But others suggest that the price reflects more Liverpool’s negotiating position than his proven pedigree. While three goals and seven assists at Middlesbrough were promising, they do not yet justify a top-tier valuation. For Everton, already cautious with spending, it may be a deal too rich unless concessions are made.
A Growing List of Suitors
Everton aren’t alone in their admiration for Doak.
Back in January, Crystal Palace and newly promoted Ipswich Town were both said to have made approaches for the winger. Liverpool rebuffed them, intent on keeping Doak for the duration of his loan. But both clubs could return to the table this summer, especially if the bidding war drags Liverpool’s asking price down.
Crystal Palace, in particular, present an attractive alternative. Their recent success in developing young wide players—Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze stand as prime examples—makes Selhurst Park a compelling destination. Ipswich, too, under Kieran McKenna, have built a reputation for forward-thinking football that suits technical players like Doak.
Then there’s West Ham. Reports earlier this year claimed David Moyes was a “prime admirer” of Doak’s talent. While Moyes has since departed, West Ham’s recruitment team could still view the teenager as a worthwhile investment under their next manager.
Symbolism and Fallout
But let’s return to the Everton link—the one that has lit up Merseyside’s gossip columns and message boards.
A switch across Stanley Park is more than just a transfer. It’s a signal. For Doak, it would be a statement of intent—that he’s willing to back himself, even at the cost of upsetting the club that developed him. For Liverpool, it could represent either shrewd business or a catastrophic PR blunder, depending on how the Scot’s career unfolds.
And for Everton, it would be a statement of resurgence.
In recent seasons, Everton have often played second fiddle in the city, both in terms of results and recruitment. Landing a player like Doak—one schooled in Liverpool’s high-performance environment—could be the spark of a more aggressive, confident transfer strategy.
Yet not all Evertonians would welcome the move. Just as some Liverpool supporters would be loath to see a player move to the “enemy,” there remains deep-seated suspicion among Everton’s fanbase about anything tainted by red. That psychological hurdle could be as important as any negotiation.
Quotes and Club Messaging
While Doak has remained silent publicly, Liverpool sources suggest the club’s stance is firm: permanent offers only. No further loans. No half-measures.
“Ben is a top young talent,” one Anfield insider reportedly told Sky Sports. “But we have to be honest about his opportunities here. The right deal could benefit all parties.”
Everton, for their part, have refused to comment on specific transfer targets. But their summer strategy under the new recruitment structure—led by director of football Kevin Thelwell—emphasises youth, resale value, and Premier League readiness. Doak ticks every box.
What Next for Doak?
This summer could define the next phase of Ben Doak’s career.
If he stays, he risks another season on the fringes at Anfield—learning, perhaps, but not playing. If he leaves, he must choose wisely. The wrong move could stall his progress. The right one could catapult him into national prominence.
The Merseyside move, if it happens, would dominate headlines. But Doak’s focus must remain on football. His talent is undeniable. His future is his to shape.
Whether that future lies in red, blue, or elsewhere entirely remains the question.
Godwin Obaje
