Ben Doak, now known professionally as Ben Gannon-Doak, is a 19-year-old Scottish winger who completed a permanent move from Liverpool to AFC Bournemouth in August 2025. The transfer, worth up to £25 million, marks a significant step in a career that began at Celtic and saw him become the youngest Scottish player in Premier League history. This article covers his biography, name change, career timeline, injury history, and what remains unknown about his personal life.
A product of Celtic’s youth academy, Doak made his senior debut for the club at just 16 years old before moving to Liverpool in 2022. At Anfield, he made ten senior appearances and spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he recorded three goals and seven assists in the Championship. His performances attracted Bournemouth, who signed him to a five-year contract in a deal that includes a buy-back clause for Liverpool.
Off the pitch, Doak has chosen to be known as Gannon Doak, incorporating his mother’s maiden name. While much of his playing style and transfer details are well-documented, certain personal information such as his religion and salary remain unconfirmed. This article synthesizes available facts from official club statements, league statistics, and reputable news sources.
Who Is Ben Doak? Biography and Personal Details
| Full Name | Ben Gannon-Doak |
| Age | 19 (born 11 November 2005) |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Current Club | AFC Bournemouth |
- Ben Doak changed his surname to include his mother’s maiden name, Gannon, making his full legal name Ben Gannon-Doak.
- He is one of the youngest players to debut for Celtic, at age 16 in 2022.
- After moving to Liverpool, he made senior appearances and was later transferred to Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee in 2025.
- As of 2025, his current injury status is not publicly detailed; no major long-term injuries reported.
- His religion and exact salary are not publicly confirmed.
| Full Name | Ben Gannon-Doak |
| Date of Birth | 11 November 2005 |
| Place of Birth | Dalry, North Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Position | Right winger / Attacking midfielder |
| Current Club | AFC Bournemouth (joined 2025) |
| Previous Clubs | Celtic (2012–2022), Liverpool (2022–2025) |
| Transfer Fee (2025) | Undisclosed (reported around £15–20 million by sources) |
Why Did Ben Doak Change His Name to Ben Gannon-Doak?
Ben Doak began using the name Gannon Doak in 2025, reflecting both of his parents’ surnames. Sky Sports reported that he requested to be known as Gannon Doak, with Gannon being his mother’s maiden name. This change is professional rather than legal; official records may still list him as Ben Doak or Ben Gannon Doak.
He wishes to be known as Gannon Doak professionally to honor both sides of his family. The change does not affect his career records or statistics.
The decision was made public during the summer transfer window. Several media outlets, including Sky Sports, updated their references to Ben Gannon-Doak. Fans and commentators have since adopted the new name, though some databases continue to use his birth name.
Ben Doak’s Career: From Celtic to Liverpool to Bournemouth Transfer
Ben Doak’s professional journey began at Celtic, where he joined the academy at age 7. He made his senior debut for the club in January 2022 at 16 years old, becoming one of the youngest players to appear for Celtic’s first team. BBC Sport notes he made two appearances for Celtic before moving to Liverpool.
Celtic Youth and Senior Debut
Doak played twice for Celtic’s senior side before attracting interest from Premier League clubs. In March 2022, Liverpool signed him for a compensation fee. He joined the under-23s and quickly progressed to the first team.
Liverpool Move and First Team
At Liverpool, Doak made his senior debut in November 2022, two days before his 17th birthday, becoming the youngest Scottish player to appear in the Premier League. He went on to make ten appearances for the Reds, mostly in cup competitions. His debut and early career are documented on the Premier League official site.
During the 2024–25 season, Doak joined Middlesbrough on loan. In 24 Championship appearances, he scored three goals and provided seven assists. He ranked in the top 6 among players with 20+ matches for assists, chances created, and touches in the opponent’s penalty area per 90 minutes.
Permanent Transfer to Bournemouth
In August 2025, Bournemouth announced the signing of Ben Gannon-Doak for a total fee of £25 million (initial £20 million plus £5 million in add-ons). He signed a five-year contract and will wear the number 11 shirt. The deal includes a buy-back option for Liverpool, which was essential for the sale. Doak was Bournemouth’s fourth summer signing. Transfermarkt lists his market value and transfer history.
Ben Doak Injury Update and Current Status
Ben Doak has experienced two notable injuries in recent years. In December 2023, he underwent knee surgery, causing him to miss a significant portion of the 2023–24 season at Liverpool. The New York Times reported on his recovery. Then, in January 2025, a thigh or knee injury prematurely ended his loan spell at Middlesbrough after 24 appearances. As of his transfer to Bournemouth, no new injury reports have been published, and he is expected to be available for the start of the 2025–26 season.
Details of his current fitness are limited. Official club updates will provide the most accurate information. No long-term recurring issues have been confirmed.
Ben Doak Career Timeline: Key Dates and Events
- – Born in Dalry, Scotland as Ben Doak.
- – Joined Celtic youth academy.
- – Made senior debut for Celtic against Dundee United, aged 16.
- – Signed for Liverpool U-23s; later promoted to first team.
- – Premier League debut for Liverpool, youngest Scottish player.
- – Loaned to Middlesbrough for the 2024–25 season.
- – Injury ends loan season early.
- – Completed permanent transfer to AFC Bournemouth.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Ben Doak?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Name change to include Gannon is confirmed by multiple sources. | Exact transfer fee is undisclosed; reports vary from £15-20 million or £25 million including add-ons. |
| Age: 19, born 11 November 2005. | Salary per week is not publicly reported. |
| Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) from various sources. | Religion is unknown; no public statements. |
| Current club: AFC Bournemouth after Liverpool transfer. | Injury details beyond the known knee and thigh issues are limited. |
What Does Ben Doak’s Move to Bournemouth Mean for His Career?
Ben Doak’s transfer to AFC Bournemouth represents a move to a Premier League club where he is expected to play regular first-team football. He replaces Luis Sinisterra, who left on loan to Cruzeiro. Bournemouth’s style of play, described as fast-paced and direct, matches Doak’s strengths as a speedy winger. Liverpool’s buy-back clause also indicates they view him as a long-term prospect whose development they want to monitor. For Scotland, Doak’s consistent top-flight minutes could accelerate his senior international career. He has already earned 6 senior caps for Scotland since his debut in September 2023, as recorded by the Scottish FA.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Ben Doak?
Reputable sources include official club websites, league databases, and verified news organizations. Below are excerpts from two reliable references.
“Ben Gannon-Doak (né Doak; born 11 November 2005) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for Premier League club Bournemouth.”
“The Liverpool star at the winger has agreed a five-year deal with AFC Bournemouth. He’s nineteen. He’s now completed his medical at the club.”
Key Takeaways About Ben Doak
Ben Doak, now known as Ben Gannon-Doak, is a 19-year-old Scottish winger who moved from Liverpool to Bournemouth in 2025 for a fee of up to £25 million. His name change reflects family heritage, and his playing style emphasizes speed and directness. While his salary and religion remain private, his career trajectory and injury history are reasonably well-documented. For more details, see the official Liverpool announcement: Ben Doak completes permanent transfer to AFC Bournemouth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Doak
What is Ben Doak’s religion?
Ben Doak’s religion has not been publicly disclosed. He has not spoken about his personal faith in interviews.
How much does Ben Doak earn per week?
Ben Doak’s salary is not publicly known. Player wages at Bournemouth have not been reported for his contract.
What is Ben Doak’s net worth?
Net worth is not publicly available; estimates are speculative and should be avoided.
Has Ben Doak played for Scotland?
Yes, he has represented Scotland at youth levels and earned 6 senior caps, making his senior debut in September 2023.
What position does Ben Doak play?
He plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder.
What shirt number does Ben Doak wear at Bournemouth?
He has been assigned the number 11 shirt for the 2025–26 season.
How many goals has Ben Doak scored in senior football?
He has scored 3 goals in senior football, all during his loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.