Andy Robertson verdict on Ben Doak speaks volumes as Liverpool to make transfer decision

Were it not for an unfortunate injury, Liverpool winger Ben Doak would have been representing Scotland at Euro 2024 at the age of just 18. The former Celtic starlet has now recovered, though, and is attracting plenty of transfer interest this summer.

Ahead of the new campaign kicking off, Doak is wanted by several clubs including Southampton and Leicester City, according to the ECHO . While no decision has been made on whether he will depart — and the Reds are not actively pushing him out of the door in search of senior minutes — there is a conversation to be had involving Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes .

Doak is, quite clearly, far too good to be playing regular soccer at U21 level. Right now, though, he isn't quite at the level where he would be able to command regular minutes ahead of the likes of Mohamed Salah at Anfield .

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For that reason, it makes lots of sense for Liverpool to allow the winger to head out on a temporary basis where he can play at the right level for his current stage of development.

"Ben's not lacking confidence, he's a fantastic player," Liverpool full-back and Scotland captain Andy Robertson told the BBC in May. "He brings pace, he brings excitement, he's not scared to take anyone on. It’s exactly what we need, young players that have got no fear, and he's certainly got that."

"He's got a bright future ahead of him, but it's also important that we protect him and we put our arm around him and help him along the way, because he's just starting his journey and we know what that's like," Robertson added.

"It’s important people don't get overhyped by him and let him grow and let him improve. If we do that then I believe that he can be a big player for us in this tournament, but he'll be a big player for us for 10, 15 years to come as well."

Liverpool.com says: Doak looks ready for a loan and he isn't the only one. Kaide Gordon might need to come to the same conclusion and Bobby Clark, once he has recovered from an injury, may end up falling into the same category. Liverpool has loads of top talents and there won't be room for all of them at senior level all at the same time.