2 weeks ago
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Liverpool has omitted Ben Doak from the squad to face Yokohama FM in a preseason clash in Japan. It comes as a decision looms over his future, although there is no indication that his absence is transfer-related, with an altogether more bureaucratic reason to blame.
Still only 19, Doak played a role off the bench in the most recent friendly against Milan. But he has been left out of the matchday squad against Yokohama, days after his latest suitor was named.
According to the Telegraph, Nottingham Forest is tracking the Scot among a number of other wide options, having already sold Anthony Elanga and Ramon Sosa, and with Jota Silva set to leave as well. Of course, Elanga has made his way to Newcastle — where Liverpool will still be hoping to do business of its own before the transfer window shuts.
Thanks to prudent financial management, Liverpool does not strictly need to sell in order to launch an audacious bid for Alexander Isak, especially since the departure of Luis Diaz. In fact, in accounting terms, the Reds are well on their way to a book profit this summer.
Even so, the club's sustainable model has long dictated that Liverpool more or less generates its own cash to spend. With an unclear route to first-team minutes for Doak, you can see why Richard Hughes and Arne Slot would be prepeared to consider a sale at the right price.
But while that may be getting mulled over in the corridors of power, it is not why Doak has been sidelined against Yokohama FM. According to This is Anfield, Doak has run into visa issues, and was unable to get clearance to play in the friendly in Japan.
It's a shame for Doak, who has been impressing internal and external observers so far in preseason. It comes after he did nothing to hurt his value last season with a stint at Middlesbrough, where he was one of the Championship's brightest sparks before injury brought his campaign to a premature halt.
Another loan would be an alternative option for Liverpool to consider. Having proved himself in the second tier, a temporary switch to a Premier League side would be a useful litmus test of Doak's current level and future potential.
While the immediate route to minutes may look complicated, Liverpool may yet feel that Doak has a first-team role to play. He is, after all, still an exceptional talent for his age.
Meanwhile, there is no guarantee of Nottingham Forest firming up its interest, either in loan or purchase form. While Doak has featured in "discussions", Forest is simultaneously closing in on a deal for Bologna wide man Dan Ndoye, while Nuno Espirito Santo is also keen on a reunion with Adama Traore.
But you would imagine that if Liverpool gives a green light to the departure, there will be no shortage of suitors. Forest is not the only side to be mentioned.
There have been persistent whispers of a move to Everton. That would be highly controversial, with no player moving between the clubs since Abel Xavier in 2002.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are also on the scene. Their interest could rest on the respective futures of Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo.
If nothing else, the way should be clear for Doak to feature once again in the next friendly, with Liverpool back at Anfield on August 4. But even four days is a long time in the transfer market.
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