Exploring the options for Eddie Howe as the Bournemouth boss predicts "a big transfer window" on the south coast...
Friday 17 May 2019 11:15, UK
Inconsistent away form and injuries restricted Bournemouth last season - what will Eddie Howe do in the summer to address their weaknesses?
Jefferson Lerma was the big-money signing last summer but it was David Brooks - picked up for £10m from Sheffield United - who proved one of the shrewdest transfers, nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year in his debut season with seven goals and five assists in 30 top-flight games.
So, will Howe follow that tactic and look towards the Sky Bet Championship for some more potential bargains? Read on to find out…
Howe on keeping his best players: "I think I've said it at the end of every season that we need to keep our best players. We've been able to do that to this point and this will be our biggest summer in terms of doing that.
"I'm confident that we can and it's really important that we do because we want to head the other way rather than lose the nucleus that we have."
Howe on summer plans: "It's going to be a big transfer window for us this summer, we're going to have to be very smart with what we do.
"Next week certainly I'll be speaking to all the players and setting out my plans for next year. It won't be a large turnover, I don't think that's healthy for the team. I only want quality additions."
Mark McAdam: "Howe has described this summer as Bournemouth's biggest summer of recruitment since promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
"Since hitting the top flight he's constantly added to his squad whilst keeping the essence of the team that came from Sky Bet League One. But this is the first summer where perhaps the last members of that team that got promoted from the EFL will be leaving the club or coming towards the end of their journey.
"It is likely to be a case of seven or eight in, seven or eight out at the Vitality Stadium, with a new goalkeeper a big priority for Howe. Asmir Begovic endured a difficult campaign and, while vastly experienced, 39-year-old Artur Boruc is coming towards the end of his career. Young Mark Travers impressed towards the end of the season and may have altered Howe's thinking about bringing more than one goalkeeper into the club.
"Injuries to Charlie Daniels and Simon Francis will prompt Howe into the market for new defensive players, while the Bournemouth boss is also expected to freshen up his midfield with a focus on adding in wide areas.
"Ryan Fraser enjoyed the best season of his career to date, scoring seven goals and providing 14 assists. But with 12 months remaining on his contract, a decision may have to be taken to sell if he doesn't agree terms on a new deal.
"Nathan Ake, David Brooks and Callum Wilson have all attracted interest from bigger clubs and it will be a massive challenge to keep hold of the trio. How well Bournemouth do in this summer's window will be a defining factor on them staying in the Premier League for a 6th term."
Matt Le Tissier: "That away form does need some serious looking at. It was crackers how many goals they conceded on the road this season. They are an entertaining side to watch, but I think Eddie Howe will look for a new goalkeeper.
"Maybe they should look at a left-back as Charlie Daniels is getting on. They have good forwards - Josh King and Callum Wilson have been great this season. Lys Mousset and Dominic Solanke have been disappointing. They have a fairly solid midfield too, with Lewis Cook still to come back so he will be much stronger next year. David Brooks will get better next season, Jefferson Lerma has been solid and Ryan Fraser has been outstanding again.
"For a lot of these types of teams, it will depend on who they keep - they have to be careful that the big teams do not pick off their best players."
Jack Butland is on Bournemouth's radar, along with other clubs this summer. Howe has been a long-term admirer of the 26-year-old Stoke and England goalkeeper. He could cost up to £25m.
Bournemouth are leading the chase to sign Middlesbrough starlet Marcus Tavernier, according to reports. The England youth international impressed on the left wing for Boro last season and fits the mould of player Howe likes to sign from the Championship.
A goalkeeper, a right-back, a central-midfielder and a striker.
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