Liverpool are in danger of losing Egypt international Mohamed Salah during the upcoming transfer windows due to interest from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad
Ben Doak, who’s been tipped to succeed Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, produced a dazzling display for Scotland’s U21s on Monday.
Doak, 17, started his country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in Jaen, Andalusia. Although the Liverpool forward failed to score, he was a handful throughout the evening to leave his manager Scot Gemmill purring over his “exceptional performance” and obvious talent.
The fact Doak is part of Scotland’s U21 squad at such a young age speaks volumes. The teenager is one of Liverpool’s most exciting prospects and seems ready to play a part this season after making all four of Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League matchday squads.
Doak’s emergence will reassure Liverpool fans, who are worried about losing their talisman Salah. The Egypt international, 31, is wanted by Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad and is expected to be the subject of another huge transfer bid in January.
Al-Ittihad offered Liverpool £150million for Salah shortly before the summer transfer window closed. The Reds said no, acknowledging they didn’t have enough time to find a replacement. But they could say yes if the Saudis come calling again.
Salah’s exit would leave Liverpool short up front, but Doak would love the chance to fill his huge boots. The Scot joined Klopp’s side from Celtic in March 2022 following a tribunal and made his first-team debut last November aged just 16.
Gemmill, who is the son of legendary Scottish winger Archie, wants Doak to get more minutes on Merseyside. He told reporters after Monday’s game: “It was an exceptional performance from Ben Doak. I would even add that’s there more to come from him.
“He’s not fully match fit at the moment because of his limited minutes as he is playing for such a good club. Imagine a fully-fit Ben Doak! I thought it was a really top performance and hopefully everyone saw that… I am really proud of the players.”
Scotland boss Steve Clarke was asked whether Doak was considered for the senior squad for this month’s internationals. The Scots won 3-0 in Cyprus in Friday to take another step closer to Euro 2024 qualification and play England in a friendly on Tuesday.
Clarke said: “Ben’s another one who is doing very well at his club. If he continues to do what he’s doing just now, he will be involved in the future.”
Klopp’s admiration of Doak is clear by his willingness to include him in his matchday squads. After Doak scored during a pre-season friendly in July, Klopp said: “We saw the kids how good they were… Ben Doak, oh my God. It’s so much fun to watch these kids.”
