‘Just robbed AC Milan’ – Bournemouth fans in ‘disbelief’ after deal agreed
Bournemouth fans have received a positive piece of transfer news despite the January transfer window having just closed.
Antoine Semenyo was sold to Manchester City in January, but Bournemouth signed five new players to bolster their squad for the second half of the season.
January arrival Rayan scored the equaliser as Bournemouth drew 1-1 with Aston Villa last time out in the Premier League, with Morgan Rogers having put the visitors ahead in the first half.
Andoni Iraola’s side are now unbeaten in five Premier League matches, and have pulled themselves 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
Bournemouth activate Alex Jimenez deal
Defender Alex Jimenez has been a constant in Iraola’s back four this season since joining on loan from AC Milan in the summer transfer window.
Jimenez made his 18th Premier League start against Aston Villa, meaning an obligation for Bournemouth to sign the 20-year-old has been triggered.
Bournemouth will pay the Italian club a fee of £16.93million alongside £4.6m in add-ons, with Jimenez set to sign a five and a half year deal at the Vitality Stadium.
The news delighted Bournemouth fans, who have been impressed with the Spaniard’s contributions at the club, and believe it is another sign of backing from the ownership.
Jimenez ranks highly for tackles, recoveries and possession won in the final third among other Premier League players, and has contributed one goal this season.
Andoni Iroala future remains unclear
The ownership may be keen to back Iraola to ensure the 43-year-old remains at Bournemouth upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
Iraola has been tipped as a successor to Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, whilst he has also been linked with the Manchester United job.
Bournemouth remain hopeful of agreeing a new contract with Iraola, who first joined the club from Rayo Vallecano in Spain in 2023.
Iraola led the Cherries to a 9th-placed Premier League finish last season, and has a chance to improve on that this time around with a strong end to the campaign.
Bournemouth travel to Everton next, who are only three points and three places above Iraola’s team in the table.