A transfer fee of £20 million marked the move of Ben Gannon-Doak to Premier League club Bournemouth in August 2025. Rising through the youth ranks at Dalry Rovers, Ayr United, and Celtic, the Scottish forward established himself as a prominent winger, securing a reputation for pace and technical ability across top-tier English football environments.
Early Development and Celtic Debut
Born in Dalry on 11 November 2005, Gannon-Doak began his competitive football experience with his local youth club, Dalry Rovers. He transitioned to Ayr United before joining Celtic. By December 2021, he appeared on the first-team bench at age 16. His senior professional debut followed on 29 January 2022, when he entered as a substitute during a Scottish Premiership match against Dundee United.
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In March 2022, Gannon-Doak moved to Liverpool, with Celtic receiving £600,000 in training compensation. He debuted for the Reds in November 2022 during an EFL Cup tie against Derby County. By December of that year, he appeared in a Premier League match against Aston Villa, setting a record as the youngest Scottish player to participate in the competition. Despite scoring in a 2023 pre-season friendly, a knee injury in December 2023 significantly hampered his progress during that campaign.
Loan Success and Permanent Transfer
Gannon-Doak joined Middlesbrough on loan in August 2024. His impact was immediate, scoring his first competitive goal against Stoke City in September. His performance in November 2024, characterized by five assists in five matches, led to him receiving the EFL Young Player of the Month award. Following his return to top-flight football at Bournemouth in 2025, he adopted the name Gannon-Doak to honor both parents.
International Milestones
Representing Scotland across multiple youth levels, Gannon-Doak debuted for the senior team against Poland in September 2024. In November 2025, he recorded his first senior international goal during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Greece. Shortly thereafter, he assisted Scott McTominay in a victory against Denmark, contributing to Scotland's first World Cup qualification since 1998, before being named in the final 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 November 2005, Dalry
- Professional debut: 29 January 2022
- Liverpool transfer date: March 2022
- EFL Young Player of the Month: November 2024
- Bournemouth transfer fee: £20 million
- Senior international debut: 5 September 2024
Questions readers ask
Why did he change his name from Doak to Gannon-Doak?
He adopted the hyphenated name upon transferring to Bournemouth in 2025 to reflect both his parents' names.
What major injury did he sustain in 2025?
He was stretchered off in the 21st minute of a match against Denmark in November 2025.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
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