Bournemouth is set to sign Liverpool forward Ben Doak in a £25 million deal. The transfer represents a significant profit for Liverpool, who paid just £600,000 in training compensation to Celtic for the 19-year-old in 2022.
The Scotland international’s arrival coincides with the impending departure of Dango Ouattara, who is expected to join Brentford in a deal worth up to £42.5 million. Doak, who had attracted interest from several Premier League clubs and Porto, saw his prospects at Liverpool diminish following the departure of Jürgen Klopp, a serious thigh injury, and the consistent form of Mohamed Salah. He spent part of last season on loan at Middlesbrough, but his campaign was cut short in January by an injury that required surgery.
After completing the £34.5 million signing of French centre-back Bafode Diakité from Lille, manager Andoni Iraola has turned his attention to reinforcing his attack. Doak’s signing comes as Luis Sinisterra is expected to move to Cruzeiro on loan. Doak was an unused substitute in last weekend’s Community Shield and could potentially face his former club when Bournemouth and Liverpool meet in the Premier League season opener on Friday.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich has initiated discussions with Chelsea regarding a potential deal for forward Christopher Nkunku. The French international is considered surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and is one of several attackers the club is looking to offload before the transfer deadline.
Chelsea needs to generate funds from sales before pursuing targets such as Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. The club hopes to negotiate a fee below United’s £50 million valuation for Garnacho, who is reportedly eager to make the move.
Nkunku has struggled with form and fitness since his £52 million transfer from Leipzig two years ago. Bayern is proposing a loan with an option to buy, though it remains to be seen if Chelsea will push for a permanent sale, even at a loss. The Bundesliga champions are eager to strengthen their attack after releasing Thomas Müller, selling Kingsley Coman, and losing Jamal Musiala to a long-term injury. Their renewed interest in Nkunku follows a rejected bid for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade.
Chelsea is also open to offers for Nicolas Jackson, who has drawn interest from Newcastle, and is awaiting buyers for Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Tyrique George.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stressed the need for a new centre-back following a knee injury to Levi Colwill. While the recruitment team will only move for a suitable player, Maresca has made his position clear.
“You know how important Levi has been for us last season, for the way we want to play,” the head coach said. “We said many times that we are able to create chances and to attack in the right way if we are able to build in the right way. Levi was a huge part of our buildup and now he’s out. We are trying to find a solution internally but the club know exactly what I think and we’ll see what happens. I think we need a central defender.”
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