Arne Slot is finalising his Liverpool squad for the 2024/25 season. (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot has reportedly made a dramatic late transfer decision, as Liverpool FC strike an agreement with just hours of the window remaining.
It’s been a quiet summer for the Reds, whose first transfer window since Jurgen Klopp departed saw them bring in just one new addition to this season’s squad.
Federico Chiesa penned a deal worth a total of £12.5million earlier this week, while Liverpool’s only other signing, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, won’t join the club until next summer.
However, in the dying embers of the window, Liverpool are now expected to sanction the exit of talented teen Ben Doak.
It’s claimed by the Northern Echo that Doak will be announced as a Middlesbrough player ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Several clubs are credited with having interest, including Hull City as well as Premier League duo Leicester City and Southampton.
However, it was Middlesbrough who won the race, with Doak having travelled up to Teeside to complete his medical earlier on Friday afternoon.
Doak was originally given his Liverpool debut by former boss Klopp, who speaking in 2022 said this about the youngster: “That’s Ben. His instructions were easy: do what you do all the time.
Ben Doak struggled with injuries last season. (Image: Getty)
“He is really a lively boy, a smart player, good dribbler, fast, can use both legs. He’s good. It was nice to watch, really nice to watch – him coming in and immediately a lot of things are obviously natural to him, which is really helpful.”
He continued: “I am pretty sure his family was here tonight. I can remember when I saw the family at the AXA (Training Centre) when we signed the boy, how excited everybody was.
“Now having this night, it’s the next step, it’s cool. He showed up, obviously.”
It wraps up a question that had been hanging over Slot’s head throughout the summer, with it reported back in July that the club were set to sit down with Doak to finalise his future.
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Doak endured an injury-ridden campaign last time around, with the Scot managing just five first-team appearances.
Minutes should be in high demand for the 18-year-old when he arrives at the Riverside Stadium, as the ex-Celtic ace looks to shine in England’s second tier.
As for the Liverpool senior side, they’ll look to make it three wins from three to start the Premier League season when they travel to rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
