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Scotland's Ben Doak

It's been a difficult year so far for Ben Doak - but the Scotland hotshot looks to be gearing up for a return to action this summer.

The former Celtic kid was in the midst of a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough last season until a hamstring injury suffered at the end of January ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

It came just days after parent club Liverpool had knocked back reported bids worth £15million from Crystal Palace for the pacey winger, who burst onto the Scotland scene in style last year in Nations League A.

Doak infamously picked up an injury in the lead-up to Euro 2024 that saw him miss the finals in Germany and his absence was certainly felt during the Nations League relegation play-off defeat to Greece back in March that saw Steve Clarke's drop from the competition's top tier.

But in a video shared on social media, the 19-year-old has started his pre-season early in order to try and hit the ground running on his return to the Premier League champions next month, where he will be hoping to impress Anfield boss Arne Slot.

In the short clip, Doak can be seen taking a shot at goal during an Empire Performance Elite session out in Portugal alongside fellow young Scottish hopefuls Dylan Reid and Charlie McArthur.

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Doak has made 12 first team appearances for Liverpool since making the move from Parkhead in 2022 but his long-term future in the red half of Merseyside remains unclear.

As well as interest from Palace in the winter window, Doak was also sensationally linked with city rivals Everton earlier this year, with compatriot David Moyes now back in the hot seat at the new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium.

Where Doak to make a shock switch to the other side of the Merseyside divide, then he would be the first player to do in 33 years.

While several players including Rangers target Conor Coady and England hero Peter Beardsley turned out for both clubs during their careers, the last player to directly transfer from Liverpool to Everton was the late Gary Ablett back in 1992.

However, Doak has been handed a potential reprieve at Anfield.

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Italy international Federico Chiesa is expected to leave the Reds this summer after just one season in the north-east of England, where his game time has been very limited.

A return to Serie A could be on the cards for the winger, which in turn could improve Doak's chances of getting some minutes under Slot next season.

Liverpool are splashing the cash as they gear up for the defence of their title and smashed their transfer record to land Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz for £116million last week.


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