Liverpool are mindful they are in danger of losing Egypt international Mohamed Salah during the upcoming transfer windows due to keen interest from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.
Salah has been tipped to be succeeded at Liverpool by Ben Doak, the 17-year-old youngster who produced a dazzling display for Scotland’s U21s on Monday. Doak started in his country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in Jaen, Andalusia, and, despite failing to score, the Liverpool forward turned in an exceptional performance to display his abundant talent.
Being only 17 and already a part of Scotland’s U21 squad is a testament to the lad’s potential. Not forgetting also that the teenager is one of Liverpool’s most exciting prospects and seems all primed to play an integral part this season after having turned out in all four of Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League matchday squads.
Doak’s rise will be most reassuring for Liverpool fans, who are understandably concerned about losing the talismanic Salah who sits dead square in the center of Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad’s crosshairs. The Egypt international, 31, is expected to be the subject of another huge transfer bid in January.
Liverpool were offered £150million by Al-Ittihad for Salah shortly before the summer transfer window slammed shut. Although the Reds said no this time, acknowledging they didn’t have enough time to find a replacement, it wouldn’t be a surprise they would say yes if the offer availed itself again.
Salah’s departure would obviously leave Liverpool short up in the frontline but an emerging Doak would have the opportunity to attempt filling the Egyptian national’s huge boots. The young Scot joined Klopp’s side from Celtic in March 2022 and made his first-team debut last November aged just 16.
When Scotland boss Steve Clarke was asked whether Doak was considered for the senior squad for this month’s internationals, the manager 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.”
The Scots won 3-0 in Cyprus on Friday to take another step closer to Euro 2024 qualification and play England in a friendly on Tuesday.