Bournemouth Close in on Ben Doak Deal as Chelsea Eye Major Attacking Overhaul
Cherries Set to Snap Up Liverpool Starlet for £25m
Bournemouth are on the verge of signing Ben Doak from Liverpool in a £25 million transfer. The 19-year-old Scottish forward is poised to leave Anfield after a stop-start period under Jürgen Klopp and a challenging loan spell last season
Liverpool initially paid Celtic just £600,000 in 2022 in training compensation. Now, they’re looking to make a huge profit on the Scotland international. With Doak set for a fresh start on the South Coast, it marks another smart investment from the Cherries.
Dango Ouattara Exit Opens Door for Doak
Bournemouth’s move for Doak comes as Dango Ouattara prepares to join Brentford in a deal worth up to £42.5 million. That sale has freed up funds and space for manager Andoni Iraola to reinforce his attacking options.
Doak fits the profile Iraola wants — fast, hungry, and eager to prove himself at Premier League level. The young winger has been on the radar of clubs across England and Europe, including Porto, but Bournemouth now lead the race.
Injury Setback Halted Doak’s Rise
Ben Doak was highly rated under Klopp. His electric pace and direct style caught the eye early on. But injuries derailed his progress. A thigh injury in January while on loan at Middlesbrough required surgery. He didn’t feature for the Championship side again that season.
Doak was also an unused substitute in last weekend’s Community Shield at Wembley. His lack of minutes under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made a permanent move more likely. Slot has brought in new faces and shifted priorities, leaving Doak on the fringes.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth: A Timely Clash
Ironically, Liverpool and Bournemouth are set to face each other on Friday night to kick off the Premier League season. That match could offer fans a preview of what’s to come, especially if Doak’s move is completed before the weekend.
In addition to Doak, Bournemouth also recently completed the £34.5 million signing of Bafode Diakité from Lille. Iraola isn’t done yet. With Luis Sinisterra expected to move on loan to Brazilian club Cruzeiro, Doak will slot into the attack alongside Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert.
Bayern Target Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku as Blues Eye Garnacho and Simons
Nkunku’s Future in Doubt After Injuries and Poor Form
Bayern Munich have opened talks with Chelsea over a move for forward Christopher Nkunku. The French international has struggled since joining the Blues from RB Leipzig for £52 million two years ago. A mix of injuries and inconsistent form have kept him from fulfilling expectations.
Bayern want to bring him in on loan, with an option to buy. Chelsea haven’t yet decided whether to insist on a permanent transfer, even at a loss.
Chelsea Plan Clear-Out to Make Room for New Signings
Nkunku isn’t the only player heading for the exit. Chelsea need to offload players to continue their summer rebuild. Manager Enzo Maresca is focused on refreshing the attack and has already signed Liam Delap, João Pedro, Estêvão Willian, and Jamie Gittens.
Noni Madueke has moved to Arsenal, and now Chelsea have turned their attention to Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Garnacho Wants Stamford Bridge Move
Garnacho is keen on a switch to west London. Chelsea are in talks with United, who value the winger at £50 million. The Blues are hoping to negotiate a lower fee.
At just 21, Garnacho has shown his quality in flashes at United. A move to Chelsea could provide a fresh start and more consistent minutes under Maresca.
Final Thoughts
Ben Doak’s move to Bournemouth signals a major step forward for both player and club. For Doak, it’s a shot at regular Premier League football. For Bournemouth, it’s a smart investment in raw, explosive talent.
At the same time, Chelsea’s attacking overhaul continues to reshape their squad. If Garnacho and Simons arrive and Nkunku leaves, the Blues could line up very differently by the end of the transfer window.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see how these moves impact the season — the action kicks off this Friday.