In recent years, Celtic have had trouble promoting their academy graduates to the first-team and establishing them as key players at the senior level. Of course, they have not been helped by the fact that plenty of those standouts have chosen to depart Parkhead very early in their careers. Ben Doak is the perfect example of that.
After making a couple of appearances for Celtic, Doak chose to leave to join Liverpool. For the Premier League giants, he has played a handful of games and is also a full Scottish international already.
Still just 19 years of age, Doak is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, where he has been impressing. So much so that it has seen him being linked with a permanent move away from Liverpool.
There has been speculation about a possible Parkhead reunion. But as reported by Football Insider, Doak is set to turn down a return to Celtic in favour of a Premier League move if he leaves Liverpool this month.
Liverpool's Ben Doak makes Celtic return decision
Doak is a fantastic talent for sure. But it is never easy to make the grade at a club like Liverpool, where the competition for places is extremely high.
Celtic are believed to be looking for a winger this winter with Luis Palma's future in Glasgow in doubt. So, signing someone like Doak would make sense, but it might not be financially viable for the Hoops.
Liverpool are believed to have already turned down £15 million transfer bids for Doak. That is significantly higher than Celtic's current record, which is the figure they shelled out to sign Arne Engels from FC Augsburg in the summer.
Also, it looks like Doak is keen to remain in the Premier League even if he leaves Liverpool. So, all things considered, a return to Celtic does not seem to be on the cards.