Doak joins Bournemouth as Liverpool exodus continues

Winger Ben Doak has joined Bournemouth in a deal worth up to 25 million pounds ($34 million), taking Liverpool's tally from player sales beyond 200 million pounds during this transfer window.

The 19-year-old, who joined from Celtic for just 600,000 pounds in 2022, made only 10 appearances for the Liverpool first team.

Doak impressed during a loan spell at second tier Middlesbrough, and picked up six international caps for Scotland last season.

The BBC reported that Bournemouth will pay an initial 20 million pounds with a further 5 million in add-ons.

"I feel like it's the right time for me, and it's a great opportunity to play regular football at the highest level. It feels like the perfect fit," said Doak.

"The team plays very nice football. It's fast and it really suits my game, so I felt like I couldn't say no to the chance to play here."

Doak follows Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton in leaving the Premier League champion in recent months.

That has allowed the Reds to spend around 300 million pounds on strengthening Arne Slot's squad with the signings of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni.

More arrivals are expected at Anfield before the close of the summer window in two weeks.

A 110-million-pound bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak has been reportedly rejected, while Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is also closing in on a move to the Anfield outfit.

Meanwhile, French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo has signed a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

According to French media, the transfer paid to his former club Rennes is believed to be at least 30 million euros ($35 million).

"Nottingham Forest is delighted to announce the signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo, who joins the club on a five-year deal," read a statement on the English club's website.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, before enjoying a breakthrough season at Ligue 1 side Rennes last year, where he netted 18 times in 34 appearances in all competitions.

Prior to joining Rennes in 2022, he made five appearances for PSG and enjoyed success during a loan spell at Lens — scoring 21 goals in 65 outings.

"When I heard about the interest from Forest, I was honored. This is a proud moment for me, joining a team that had a strong season last year and a club with great history," said Kalimuendo.

"I'm ready for the challenge, and I arrive here with good experience. I had a good season last year with goals and assists, but I want more and want to reach a new level here."

Two-time European champion Nottingham Forest finished the 2024-25 season in seventh place after, surprisingly, spending much of the season in the Premier League's top three.

AFP