Everton ‘Have Discussed’ Move to Sign £30million Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Ben Doak to Everton? Liverpool Could Bank £30m in Transfer Windfall

Liverpool are poised for a transformative summer window, with plans already in motion to refresh the squad and bolster key positions. While the headlines have focused on marquee signings such as Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, the Reds’ transfer strategy hinges equally on outgoings as it does on potential arrivals. According to The Times, Everton are eyeing a move for teenage winger Ben Doak – a deal that could hand Liverpool a £30 million boost and open up further opportunities in the market.

Focus on Value-Driven Sales

With Arne Slot now at the helm and fresh from a title-winning debut season, Liverpool are preparing to evolve under his guidance. Sporting director Richard Hughes is tasked with trimming the squad, making room not only in terms of personnel but also financially, to target high-value reinforcements. As The Times reports, Doak is one such name who could be moved on for a significant fee.

“Everton have also discussed a move for Doak, although Liverpool are believed to be seeking about £25million to £30million for the 19-year-old Scotland attacker, who was the subject of a failed bid from Crystal Palace in January,” the article revealed.

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Having cost the Reds just £600,000 from Celtic in 2022, such a fee would represent a staggering return. Doak’s loan spell at Middlesbrough was curtailed due to injury, but his talent remains undoubted. A fleet-footed winger with a fearless approach, he’s long been regarded as one of the brightest young prospects at Kirkby.

Local Rivalry Adds Spice

While a move across Stanley Park isn’t unheard of, it’s rare – and always contentious. Selling Doak to Everton would certainly raise eyebrows among fans, but from a purely strategic point of view, it makes sense. The Blues are now under new ownership via The Friedkin Group, who are reportedly ready to spend in a bid to back returning manager David Moyes.

“Regular opportunities at Liverpool would appear limited,” Joyce states, suggesting that Doak may have a clearer path to first-team football at Goodison Park. From Liverpool’s perspective, that £30m could fund upgrades in wide attacking areas – or go toward a big-money swoop for someone like Michael Olise or a back-up striker.

Youth Sales a Growing Strategy

Doak isn’t the only youth product on the potential sale list. Last summer saw Bobby Clark, Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho depart for a combined £60 million. Selling academy products has become a shrewd tactic to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, while keeping first-team reinforcements flowing.

Photo: IMAGO

As The Times explains, “Hughes and Slot could opt to cash in on some fringe and youth team players too,” allowing the club to balance its books without weakening the core squad. With names like Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota also being linked with exits, every penny matters in what is set to be a defining window for the Slot era.

Doak’s Future Still Undecided

Much remains uncertain about Doak’s situation. His injury comeback status is unclear, and Liverpool may be reluctant to sell before fully assessing his readiness. However, Everton’s interest appears serious, and if they meet Liverpool’s valuation, a deal may become too financially tempting to resist.

Whether Doak could reach his full potential in blue instead of red is up for debate – but what’s not in doubt is the profit Liverpool stand to make from his sale.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, the idea of selling Ben Doak to Everton brings mixed feelings. On one hand, £30 million for a player with limited first-team action is brilliant business. But on the other, the optics of strengthening your bitter rivals – even indirectly – are hard to swallow.

Doak has pace, aggression and flair, qualities that aren’t easily replaceable. If he turns out to be a star at Goodison, questions will undoubtedly be asked. Yet with Arne Slot fresh off a title win, there’s now a sense of trust in the decision-making process. He’s shown already that he can blend youth with experience and find value in unexpected places.

Perhaps this sale is less about weakening Liverpool and more about unlocking their next level. If £30 million helps bring in someone like Olise or Wirtz, it could prove a calculated masterstroke.

As ever, it comes down to risk versus reward – and Liverpool seem ready to roll the dice.