Klopp role ‘pivotal’ as Liverpool fend off more lucrative Leeds offer to sign new winger

Liverpool have won the race to sign Celtic winger Ben Doak despite a more lucrative offer from Leeds, and the youngster has already been pictured in a Reds shirt.

Reports in mid-March put Liverpool on the cusp of bringing Ben Doak to Anfield. The Celtic flyer, 16, has quickly developed into one of the hottest prospects north of the border.

Celtic were fully aware of the talent Doak possesses and had already made moves towards convincing him to stay.

Indeed, Hoops boss Ange Postecolgou gave Doak minutes in crunch clashes with Rangers and Dundee United earlier this season.

However, per the Athletic, that wasn’t enough to turn his head with a move to England remaining his true aim.

Now, the Athletic have followed up their earlier report and announced Liverpool have ‘secured’ his signature.

The Reds will reportedly pay Celtic a compensation fee of approximately £600,000.

Leeds United were reportedly also in the mix, and had offered more lucrative terms than what Liverpool tabled.

However, the Reds have seemingly won the race thanks in large part to Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp influence on Ben Doak decision explained

The report adds key to Ben Doak choosing Liverpool was Klopp’s reputation for giving young players a chance.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into arguably the world’s finest right-back under the German. Additionally, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are now regulars in Klopp’s plans.

An image of Doak holding up a Liverpool shirt has already surfaced on social media despite official confirmation not yet arriving from the club.

Liverpool have completed the signing of 16-year-old winger Ben Doak from Celtic.

Welcome to Anfield, Ben 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZsA962JrGj

— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) March 31, 2022

Liverpool’s current No7 is James Milner, though that picture is not a hint that Milner will be leaving amid speculation this season could be his last at Anfield.

On the contrary, given Doak only turned 16 in November, he will slot into the club’s youth ranks upon joining.

As such, the No7 shirt will seemingly be his in one of the development squads.