Justin Kluivert and Milos Kerkez react to Tyler Adams’ farewell message
Tyler Adams’ defensive responsibilities look set to increase at Bournemouth after their transfer business so far this summer.
Andoni Iraola‘s Cherries pushed the boundaries last season to record their best ever Premier League finish, with 56 points won and a serious push for European football before eventually falling to ninth.
However, Bournemouth have since seen a large chunk of their squad depart to potentially derail the progress made under Iraola last term, with over half of the Spaniard’s backline already out the doors.
Dean Huijsen’s £50million move to Real Madrid was agreed before the end of the season and Milos Kerkez soon followed in a £40m switch to Liverpool, with Kepa Arrizabalaga also returning to Chelsea.
Adams sends ‘proud’ message after USA Gold Cup defeat
The departures of Kepa, Kerkez and Huijsen leaves Bournemouth with a threadbare defence, even more so than when Adams was forced to cover at right-back after Adam Smith‘s injury issues last season.
Adams will return for pre-season training later than the majority of his team-mates, and Justin Kluivert could be another player who leaves Bournemouth amid interest from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Bournemouth will welcome Adams back to training after he featured for USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final, which saw Mexico come from behind to beat the US 2-1 with Edson Alvarez scoring the winner.
In an Instagram post (7 July) liked by Kerkez and Kluivert, Adams reflected on his country’s exploits with a farewell message which said: “Proud of the team and everything we put into this run.
“Everyone played their part and the fans who pushed us all the way. We’ll take the lessons, keep building, and come back stronger.”
Bournemouth exodus to continue as Adams returns
Football Insider Verdict
Kluivert could be the next big name to leave Bournemouth this summer after 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, and the make-up of Iraola’s squad is uncertain ahead of the new campaign.
The Cherries may also be on the brink of losing Illya Zabarnyi in another big-money move to PSG, leaving Iraola with a growing transfer to-do of two centre-backs as well as a goalkeeper and attacking midfielder.
Adams‘ superb performances in midfield helped form the heart of Iraola’s side last season, but a huge slump could be in the pipeline if Bournemouth are unable to unearth any more new gems this summer.