Sky Bet Championship Preston North End v Middlesbrough Ben Doak of Middlesbrough cuts inside the box during the Sky Bet Championship match Preston North End vs Middlesbrough at Deepdale, Preston, United Kingdom, 25th January 2025 Photo by Jorge Horsted/News Images Preston Deepdale Lancashire United Kingdom Copyright: xJorgexHorsted/NewsxImagesx
Liverpool had the chance to assess some players this season.
In cup games in the Champions League and FA Cup, Arne Slot has had the chance to see the young players at the club. The Liverpool boss even chose James McConnell as a future first team star earlier this season. The young midfielder impressed when Slot fielded a heavily rotated Liverpool side away to PSV.
“At the moment we have most of our players fit, so we will have this discussion tomorrow, me and Richard [Hughes], about these players,”
“But there’s definitely one of them that will not go on loan, and I think you know which one I mean… James McConnell.”
Trey Nyoni, Jayden Danns and Tyler Morton were among the other youngsters given a taste of first team football this season.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
[freshpress-quiz id=”22938″]
Liverpool could sell star to Everton
This summer will mark an important period for the club. Liverpool are planning to revamp the squad, with an eye on the transfer window at the end of the season. But, some players could make their claim for a first team spot. This would help Liverpool save money on some positions this summer. The likes of Jarrel Quansah and Conor Bradley will provide backup in defence. James McConnell could also be a reserve option in midfield. On loan youngster Stefan Bajcetic could also have a key part in the team next season.
One youngster who could be on his way out of Anfield is Ben Doak. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are prepared to let the Scotland international leave this summer. Everton hold concrete interest in the 19-year old and could make a move. The report claims Liverpool would be open to selling the forward for around £30million.
Doak is on loan at Middlesbrough this season, and already has 10 goal contributions in 24 appearances in the Championship this season.
Ben Doak’s path to the first team
Despite being a very talented player, Ben Doak will find it difficult to break into the first team. He already has multiple players ahead of him in the pecking order. The likes of Harvey Elliott, who has been a rotation player this season, would be preferred to Doak. And with Arne Slot set to add new attackers this summer, a future for the 19-year old at Anfield looks unlikely.
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