Ange Postecoglou’s Ben Doak comments as he closes in on Celtic exit

Celtic have had a tough time keeping hold of some of their best youngsters in recent years with the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and more swooping in to sign them even before they had made a mark in the first-team picture at Parkhead. And it looks like Ben Doak’s name is going to be added to that quickly growing list soon as well, as rumours have emerged that he is on the verge of signing for Liverpool.

The 16-year-old has managed to make a couple of first-team appearances this season and there is no doubt that is someone with a tremendous amount of talent and potential.

Thus, Celtic fans would have been hoping to see more of him in a Celtic jersey in the future but now, it looks like he could be headed to Anfield instead.

Amidst all this, Ange Postecoglou’s recent comments about the player become even more interesting. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the manager was asked by 4 Tims and a Podcast about the future of Doak and Karamoko Dembele, and he told Celtic TV:

"“With Karamoko and Ben – they’re in a similar boat, it’s also about their futures and where they see their futures. I’ve said all along that for me, this football club is everything that a young player should want. Particularly at the moment. I really want to bring young players into our first-team and give them an opportunity as we have already.“But they’ve got to be invested in our football club. They’ve got to want to be here and they’ve got to want to be here long-term. If they see their futures elsewhere or they’re not certain then I have total respect for that and everyone has the right to make their own decisions, but I’m going to invest time and opportunity into the people who want to stay at our football club.”"

Doak looks set to leave Celtic for Liverpool in the near future

Doak is a known Celtic supporter but it appears the opportunity to play for Liverpool and under the management of Jurgen Klopp could be too good to turn down for the youngster.

Of course, questions can be raised about how often the 16-year-old would in fact play first-team football at Liverpool, who might arguably have the best team in the world right now.

But it is Doak’s decision and if he does end up leaving, we can only wish him the best of luck. At the same time, one also has to wonder though what the future holds for Karamoko, whose current deal runs out in the summer.