News that Ben Doak is closing in on a £25m move from Liverpool to Bournemouth has left some Celtic supporters asking whether the club could be due a cash boost. Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Doak left Celtic for Liverpool in 2022, with the Hoops receiving just £600k in training compensation. That fee was set under FIFA rules due to his age at the time of the move. Unlike a normal transfer, Celtic didn’t negotiate a price, they were simply entitled to the fixed compensation for developing him.
He’s reportedly closing in on his Liverpool exit and could be set for a fresh start on the south coast.
Some fans have pointed to FIFA’s “solidarity contribution”, which entitles clubs that helped develop a player to up to 5% of any future transfer fee. However, this only applies to international transfers – when a player moves between two clubs in different countries.
Because Doak is moving within England, from Liverpool to Bournemouth, no solidarity payment is due. [EA Sports Law]
In short, Celtic’s only financial gain from Doak’s career came when he first left for Liverpool and that was capped at the £600k training compensation. Unless he moves abroad later in his career, no further payments will be heading towards Parkhead.
