PL newcomers to battle it out for Liverpool's own Wayne Rooney

Southampton and Leicester City are keen on Liverpool sensation Ben Doak

Southampton and Leicester City are considering a move for Liverpool starlet Ben Doak this summer. Following their relegation from the Premier League in 2023, the Saints spent just one campaign in the Championship before earning promotion back to the top flight. They secured their spot by edging out Leeds United in a fiercely contested play-off final last season.

During this transfer window, Southampton have already made several significant moves. They signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis on a permanent deal from Manchester City after a successful loan spell and acquired 25-year-old defensive midfielder Flynn Downes from West Ham. Among their other signings are free transfers for Adam Lallana and left-back Charlie Taylor.

According to The Athletic (h/t Give Me Sport), Southampton are now weighing up a move for Ben Doak. The outlet claims that several Premier League clubs, including the Saints and Championship winners Leicester City, are keen to acquire the winger on loan for the upcoming season.

Southampton and Leicester City are keen on Liverpool sensation Ben Doak.

Doak joined Liverpool’s youth setup from Scottish side Celtic in the summer of 2022, after making two senior appearances for the Scottish champions. Doak impressed during his time in the Reds’ academy ranks, but the 2023/24 campaign was challenging due to injuries, significantly limiting his game time.

The 18-year-old made an appearance for the senior side in the early stages of last season, featuring in a Premier League match against Chelsea on the opening day. He was on the bench for eight subsequent league fixtures before suffering a lateral meniscus knee injury that required surgery, sidelining him for the second half of the campaign.

Doak briefly returned to action earlier in the summer and was named in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for Euro 2024. However, he was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury, with Scotland finishing bottom of their group in Germany. Still in his teens, he reminded everyone of his potential in an excellent performance against Real Betis this pre-season.

Doak’s move to Liverpool from Celtic was seen as a significant coup for the Reds, with the compensation fee of around £600,000 already looking like a steal. The winger was Celtic’s brightest academy prospect, a wonderkid considered on another level compared to his peers. At just 14, he was playing for Celtic’s Under-18s, and by 16, he was drafted into the B team.

Before long, Doak was invited to train with the first-team squad. His talent quickly became evident, and he earned the nickname ‘Wazza’ from his teammates—a nod to the stocky teenager’s similarities in stature, talent, and barrelling style to a young Wayne Rooney. If he does go on to achieve anything close to what the legendary Englishman did, the Reds faithful will be more than happy.

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From a Liverpool standpoint, a loan move for Ben Doak could be beneficial. The young winger has shown tremendous potential, and regular first-team football in the Premier League or at a top Championship club could be crucial for his development. Both Southampton and Leicester City offer promising environments where Doak could gain valuable experience and hone his skills.