Bournemouth

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  1. Iraola on Evanilson, Unal and January transfer planspublished at 14:38 10 January

    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game West Bromwich Albion (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his interview with BBC Radio Solent:

    • Recent serious injuries to Evanilson and Enes Unal have tied Iraola's hands: "A very difficult week for us. Starting from the personal side because from the footballing side, it is devastating but from the personal side, it is even worse. In Evanilson's case he finished the game and complained about another player stomping on him but we didn't think it was more than this. He developed a broken foot, surgery and a difficult situation. Then I will say Enes' one was worse because it was probably the moment he was waiting to have the chance to play more minutes and start more games. To have an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament injury] in the next training, and the process that comes with it that he already knows, is really sad for him."

    • As a result, Iraola expects Bournemouth to be active in the transfer window: "It is a difficult situation because it was unexpected. One week ago, we were perfect. We had two players performing very well. You cannot control football and we are in a difficult position and I am sure the club will do a good job. They are analysing all the options in the market."

    • Bournemouth's owners' track record with transfers gives Iraola confidence they will sign the correct replacement for his injured striking duo: "Now we will have to adapt a little bit and see who is available. I have trust in the club and I know they are working. I hope, as they have done a lot of times, they will make the right call."

    • The Cherries boss sees his team as the ideal opportunity for a striker who wants to make their mark in the Premier League: "It is always difficult in the winter but also we are a great opportunity for a number nine who wants to have an important role in the Premier League. There will be strikers looking to take that chance and I hope we can sign the right providers."

    • On a tough game against promotion-chasing Championship side West Brom, whose manager Carlos Corberan recently left for Spanish team Valencia: "I think they haven't changed a lot. They are doing the same things they were doing with Carlos [Corberan]. They are very disciplined and very organised so it is not going to be easy."

    Follow all of Friday's news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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  2. Valencia interested in Bournemouth's Aaronspublished at 11:23 10 January

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Bournemouth defender Max Aarons facing FulhamImage source, Getty Images

    Valencia have made an enquiry about the availability of Bournemouth defender Max Aarons.

    The interest is said to be driven by former West Bromwich Albion and Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan, who is now managing at the Spanish club, having faced Aarons, 25, multiple times in the Championship.

    However, the move would need Valencia's attempts to sign first-choice defensive target Ivan Fresneda, who plays for Sporting, to fall through.

    A sudden injury crisis at Bournemouth also complicates the situation with Evanilson, Enes Unal, Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier, Luis Sinisterra and Adam Smith all currently out.

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  3. Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion: Did you know?published at 15:09 9 January

    A general view of Emirates FA Cup branding inside Vitality StadiumImage source, Getty Images

    This is the first FA Cup meeting between Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion since January 1999, with the Cherries winning a third-round tie 1-0 thanks to an Eddie Howe goal.

  4. Rashford? Wilson? Semenyo to step in? - fans on striker coverpublished at 08:48 9 January

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    Following the news that Enes Unal is set for an extended spell out with an ACL injury, just a day after it was also confirmed that Evanilson has had surgery on a broken bone in his foot, we asked you who you would like to see come in up front.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Kev: Marcus Rashford would be the perfect fit for Andoni Iraola. Bournemouth would be the perfect place for him to come on loan for six months to regain his confidence and form, while acting as a temporary replacement for Evanilson. He also has the experience to get us into Europe!

    Lewis: 100% need to get into the transfer market. It does not need to be a permanent deal but we need a strong forward. Rashford would be ideal given the style of football Iraola plays, but would imagine that is unlikely - although Kepa was an unlikely but awesome deal!

    Barney: Maybe there is an opportunity to secure Rashford on loan for the remainder of the season until he finds a permanent new home? Particularly if Manchester United are showing interest in Milos Kerkez, there should be a window of communication between the two clubs.

    Paul: Top priority now for two strikers. Evan Ferguson and Callum Wilson or Elijah Adebayo would be my picks.

    Tom: We need to go into the loan market to try to get a striker, potentially with an option to buy. Daniel Jebbison will do as back-up. I'm sure we will also see Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert step into the role.

    Jake: Someone external with a proven track record needs to step in. While Semenyo can play there, he is excelling in his current position, and, heaven forbid, if he picks up an injury too, it could be a catastrophic blow. I believe we need experience in this situation - we cannot afford to gamble on youth. Their time and experience will come, but this is Bournemouth's time right now!

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  5. 'Speculation will ramp up over how Bournemouth fill glaring void in attack'published at 17:27 8 January

    Mark Mitchener
    BBC Sport senior journalist

    Bournemouth expert view banner
    Bournemouth owner Bill FoleyImage source, Getty Images

    The Bournemouth rollercoaster shows no sign of stopping – in the past week alone, Andoni Iraola's side stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to an unprecedented eight games thanks to a sublime David Brooks volley sinking Everton, signed two players, but lost both of their main strikers to injury.

    While USA youth international defender Matai Akinmboni is very much "one for the future", and fellow teenager Julio Soler from Argentina provides some depth where there previously was none - with Milos Kerkez the only recognised left-back in the squad for the first half of the season - speculation will now ramp up over how they will fill a now-glaring void in attack.

    While the best-case scenario for Evanilson after metatarsal surgery could mean the Brazilian is back in a couple of months, his regular deputy Enes Unal's ACL injury in training means the Turkey striker looks unlikely to feature again this season.

    Even before both injuries, there had been reports Daniel Jebbison's loan at Watford was likely to be terminated this month as it has not worked out as planned - and Bournemouth have now confirmed his recall - though at Premier League level the 21-year-old is more of a back-up than a starter.

    Any transfer efforts set in motion by Evanilson's injury will have been redoubled after losing Unal, and it will not harm Bournemouth's recruitment plans that owner Bill Foley is in town this week if a permanent move rather than a loan needs to be sanctioned at the highest level.

    And while all that takes place, Iraola has an FA Cup tie against West Brom for which to prepare. The Cherries' injury issues mean they do not have the personnel available to name an entirely different starting XI as some top-flight managers will no doubt do in round three.

    "I'd go strong," ex-Cherries midfielder Joe Partington told BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast, which has returned this week.

    "Have Bournemouth ever been better set up than they are now to go after a cup competition?

    "You only have to look at last season when Leicester were doing very well in the Championship, and maybe Bournemouth's fans would have expected them to win that [fifth-round tie] with a watered-down team.

    "But Leicester won that game. You think 'ah, that's a shame' as they'd have been very close to a semi-final. Even though I don't agree with the semi-finals being at Wembley, it's a great day out. Show respect to the cup and play your best team."

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  6. Who can replace Evanilson and Unal?published at 16:03 8 January

    Evanilson and Enes Unal

    What's worse than losing your first-choice striker to injury? Your back-up to suffer the same fate the very next day.

    After it was confirmed on Tuesday Evanilson has had surgery on a broken bone in his foot, with no timescale yet put on his return, Enes Unal has now been ruled out long term with an ACL tear suffered in training.

    We asked Cherries fans on Tuesday, external how their team should deal with the Evanilson's absence and opinion was split as to whether it was Unal's time to step up or more depth was needed in the striker position.

    In the previous post on this page, former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington said the club must "go and get someone else in the next 20 days".

    Daniel Jebbison has now been recalled from his loan spell at Watford, but with Andoni Iraola's side enjoying a fine season and harbouring hopes of finishing in a European place, the loss of a second senior striker within two days may make the acquisition of a new forward a priority in January.

    So, Bournemouth fans, who would you like to see come in? Or can the problem be solved within the current squad?

    Let us know here

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  7. Jebbison recalled from Watford loanpublished at 16:01 8 January

    Daniel Jebbison of BournemouthImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth have confirmed striker Daniel Jebbison has been recalled from his loan spell at Watford.

    After appearing in the Cherries' opening two games of the season, the 21-year-old played 13 times for the Tom Cleverley's side but struggled for consistency with the Hornets 13th in the Championship.

    He joined Bournemouth in July, following the expiration of his contract with Sheffield United.

    The decision to recall Jebbison follows the news that fellow forwards Evanilson and Enes Unal are both set for spells on the sideline with injury.

  8. Bournemouth must 'get someone else in the next 20 days'published at 13:30 8 January

    Evanilson of Bournemouth is injured against EvertonImage source, Getty Images

    The injury to striker Evanlison is a "big blow" and Bournemouth must "go and get someone else" in the January transfer window, says former Cherries defender Joe Partington.

    Evanilson has had surgery on a broken bone in his foot, with no timescale yet put on his return.

    "People had a few question marks over Evanilson at the start of the season when his performances were good but it didn't look like he would necessarily be that goalscorer that they needed and had lost with Dominic Solanke's move to Spurs," Partington told BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast.

    "He has surpassed everyone's assumptions of what he was capable of and now he's a very important part of that front four, which is so important to Bournemouth's success at the moment.

    "It's an opportunity for someone to come in to the team and do well but he's one of the best players so it will be tough to replace him.

    "You're looking at two months out minimum and then beyond that he's got to get back up to the speed he has been playing at, which is even more difficult. Then it's the latter stages of the season too. It's going to be really difficult for him to have that same impact on the team.

    "Bournemouth's best Premier League teams have always been as successful as their number nine.

    "What they need to do in the next 20 days or so is to go and get someone else."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  9. Why Bournemouth need caution with their European dreampublished at 11:24 8 January

    Seventh in the Premier League, Bournemouth and their fans are dreaming of qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history, but what lessons do they need to learn from sides who struggled to cope with competing domestically and on the continent?

    Cherries fan Craig Beazley tells The Football News Show why the club must be shrewd with their spending and predicts where they will finish in the Premier League...

    Media caption,

    Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

  10. Soler signing is Cherries 'investing in the future'published at 11:23 8 January

    Andoni Iraola with Milos KerkezImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth's signing of young left-back Julio Soler from Argentine side Lanus is preparation for a future that could involve European football, says former Cherries defender Joe Partington.

    Milos Kerkez is enjoying an excellent season in that position but is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and it is one of the few areas where manager Andoni Iraola does not have two strong options.

    Speaking to BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast, Partington said: "Milos Kerkez looks like an incredibly fit player. I love that ability he has to sprint to get up with play, but you need back-up.

    "Bournemouth are now a club that can invest in the future. They don't necessarily feel comfortable with where they are in the Premier League, but they are established enough that they are building towards a future.

    "If you are going to be a European football club and effectively add a third more games to your season then you need more players who are at that level to play. You can't expect every player to play every minute, especially with games midweek.

    "Kerkez is playing very well without competition but adding a 19-year-old in Julio Soler who is keen to play might take him to another level.

    "It's always good to add more depth, that's how you really push your environment.

    "Bournemouth have reached a level where they are signing players who can come in and play and make the environment better immediately rather than needing development and when you have that it is a recipe for success."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  11. 'Highly promising' and a 'natural Kerkez replacement' published at 20:02 7 January

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    We asked for your views on Bournemouth's new signing Julio Soler and the impact his arrival could have on fellow left-back Milos Kerkez's future.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Robbie: Can see Kerkez leaving in the summer. This lad looks highly promising and makes sense to get him in now for a period of acclimatisation and to be ready for next season.

    Rob: Natural replacement for Kerkez but would like this to happen at the end of the season. No doubt Kerkez will be off at some stage.

    Mark: Looks like it's bye bye Milos. Knew he would be coveted by the big boys the first time I saw him play. Hopefully we can cash in. He has been good for us so I'd wish him well.

  12. 🎧 Cherries: Unpicked returns!published at 19:36 7 January

    Andoni Iraola and Evanilson

    BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast is back with a new episode on BBC Sounds.

    Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington joins the team to chat the Evanilson injury blow, the signing of Julio Soler and what might be to come in the rest of the January transfer window.

    Listen to the full episode

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  13. 'Full of talent' - Redknapp on 'amazing' Cherriespublished at 16:47 7 January

    Media caption,

    Bournemouth are enjoying their best run of form in the Premier League, with victory over Everton extending their unbeaten run to eight games.

    As they are in the mix for a place in Europe, what's been the key to their transformation?

    Former Cherries player and manager Harry Redknapp tells The Football News Show how shrewd recruitment and an impressive work rate have set Bournemouth up for success, regardless if their best players get sold.

    Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

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  14. 'Rashford on loan?' - your thoughts on covering Evanilson absencepublished at 15:43 7 January

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    Evanilson & Marcus RashfordImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on how big a blow Evanilson's injury is, and who you would choose to replace him in his absence.

    Here is a selection of your responses:

    Mark: Devastated for Evanilson first and foremos - let's hope he is back soon. He might only have five goals, but his work-rate is unbelievable. For me, he is by far the best striker we have ever had. We need to get someone in on loan... Marcus Rashford? Also time for Enes Unal to shine - this is his chance. With Europe genuinely in sight, let's hope we get as many players back as soon as possible.

    Jake: Unal should see this as an opportunity to step up - and I would be surprised if we didn't see Andoni Iraola looking to strengthen depth in the number nine position in January.

    Tim: Fortunately, Bournemouth have been scoring from a variety of personnel - not just Evanilson. Replacing his position, and back up, will require some investment during the January window. However, replacing his goals will be a squad effort.

    Robbie: A huge blow. It's not just his goals, but his work-rate and the way he fits perfectly into Iraola's system. I am not sure we have anyone in the current squad who can play that role. Hopefully PSR will not restrict signing a replacement (maybe a loan) and the passport will not need to be put back in the drawer!

    Kris: We need to get another striker on loan in the window. Unal won't cut it for the months Evanilson is out.

  15. Bournemouth sign teenage left-back Solerpublished at 14:06 7 January

    Julio SolerImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth have signed defender Julio Soler from Lanus for an initial fee of about £6.6m.

    The deal for the 19-year-old, who the Cherries say has signed "a long-term contract", could eventually be worth about £11.5m if all add-on clauses are met.

    Born in Paraguay, Soler is an Argentina Under-23 international and played all four games for Javier Mascherano's side in their run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympics.

    The left-back, who has previously captained his nation at under-20 level, was called up to the senior team for the World Cup qualifiers in October 2024, but is yet to earn his first international cap.

    Soler signed for Argentine club Lanus as a nine-year-old and made 58 appearances.

    Simon Francis, Bournemouth's technical director, said: "Julio is another talented young player who arrives highly sought after and we are pleased to have added him to our squad.

    "With the way Andoni [Iraola] and his staff improve exciting prospects, we look forward to seeing Julio's progress with us."

    What do you think of this signing, Cherries fans? And could it have any impact on the future of fellow left-back Milos Kerkez?

    Have your say here

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  16. Brooks 'continues to show how valuable he is'published at 12:32 7 January

    Tom Jordan
    Fan writer

    Bournemouth fan's voice banner
    Bournemouth's David Brooks celebrates Image source, Getty Images

    Eight unbeaten is a club record in the top flight for Bournemouth and with this form coinciding with somewhat of an injury crisis, it really solidifies the way some "fringe" players have stepped up when required.

    The matchwinner at the weekend was David Brooks, a player whose minutes have been limited for a long while; however, he is continuing to show how valuable he remains to the club.

    Signing for the Cherries in 2018 from Sheffield United, Brooks was an exciting talent with an incredibly high ceiling, but he has been through more testing times than most.

    After being diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2021, it took him nearly two years to make his next league appearance. After a loan away at Southampton and plenty of challenging moments, it was recognised he was still an important member of the Cherries squad for this campaign.

    More often than not, he has had to settle for the bench, hardly surprising considering the form of those in front of him. However injuries to Marcus Tavernier and Luis Sinisterra in particular, have allowed Brooks to gain more minutes and remind us all just how talented he can be.

    In a game against Everton that seemed destined for a goalless draw at the weekend, Brooks was introduced on 71 minutes and had scored the winner by minute 77, a sublime volley from that beautiful left foot of his.

    There is undoubtedly plenty of talent in the Bournemouth squad, but it should not be forgotten that Brooks is certainly among them.

    He's back and he's got a huge part to play.

    Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

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  17. What impact will Evanilson injury have on high-flying Cherries?published at 11:10 7 January

    Bournemouth striker EvanilsonImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth have been dealt a significant injury blow as record signing Evanilson has had surgery on a broken bone in his foot, with no timescale put on his return.

    How big a blow is this news, Cherries fans? And how should Andoni Iraola best cover his absence?

    Tell us here

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  18. Bournemouth 1-0 Everton - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:42 6 January

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    Idrissa Gueye of Everton and Ryan Christie of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton FC at Vitality StadiumImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Everton.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Bournemouth fans

    Lee: A dogged performance from us against an Everton team that never really looked like they wanted to win the game. Milos Kerkez was fantastic again and a sublime finish from David Brooks got us the three points, but we were by far the better team and fully deserved them. Onwards and upwards for the Cherries!

    Gary: It was hard to break down a one-dimensional Everton side but when the goal came, it was a thing of beauty. Well worth the three points alone. Everyone played their part but I felt Philip Billing was off the pace when he came on.

    Tom: Thank you Cherries! A good and hard fought match. The substitute did it! Magic!

    Chris: We are living the dream after years of wallowing and trips to Port Vale and Grimsby. Now we are firmly in the top tier. It warms the cockles.

    Everton fans

    John: As a lifelong Everton fan, I have never seen a more poorly coached team. Zero shots on goal is pathetic and shows a complete lack of team organisation. If we go a goal down, it is game over. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has lost all his confidence and the rest of the squad do not seem far behind him.

    Dave: The Blues look completely inept and I have no idea where or how they are going to score a goal. Maybe it's a confidence thing but several of the shots were terrible and even the basics were wrong. They must, must try harder.

    Tim: I'll keep it short and not so sweet. How has Dyche kept his job so far with such an abysmal offensive record? No shots on target, no goals, no positive attacking, no hope of avoiding relegation under him because of such a poor squad he has built and under-coached.

    Robert: I'm questioning how we are doing so badly, bearing in mind the amount of money that has been spent over these recent years, along with having our own homegrown players to select from? It's now worth asking why we are building a new stadium, when we are either drawing or losing, which is upsetting all the supporters who pay so much money to back the club.

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