As 2024 approaches, Premier League clubs will be considering their incomings and outgoings this January. We look into which positions Bournemouth need to strengthen, and who they should let go.
Who Should Bournemouth Sign?
A Centre-Forward
Dominic Solanke contributes 44% of Bournemouth's Premier League goals with 12, making him the highest team contributor in the league.
Should the centre-forward get injured, the Cherries will need to rely on Kieffer Moore: as they did last season for 24 days.
Despite scoring against Crystal Palace this month, the Welshman had not scored for the club 389 days.
Bournemouth were very close to signing Patson Daka in the summer, and with four goals and an assist in just five starts for Leicester this season, we would like to see the club go back in for the Zambian international.
A Full-Back
At current, Andoni Iraola is going through a bit of an injury crisis. Lloyd Kelly and Milos Kerkez are both out for more than the short-term.
Iraola was forced to play Dango Ouatarra at left-back against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. Whilst the winger has excelled, he will be away at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) during January.
At right-back, Max Aarons had been out for six games and was only on the bench against Fulham. Ryan Fredericks has been out since March. Adam Smith has stepped up to the plate, but with just one available senior full-back, the Cherries are looking vulnerable.
Furthermore, there is a significant chance that Kelly may leave in January. His contract expires in the summer, and has not yet put pen to a new deal. With Serie A giants like AC Milan and Juventus interested, we could see Bournemouth cash in rather than lose the 25-year-old for free.
Whether to heal injury problems, replace Kelly, or simply strengthen squad depth, we could definitely see the board dip into the market.
Who Should Bournemouth Let Go
Kieffer Moore - Permanent
As mentioned, Moore has hardly started and hardly scored since scoring that goal to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Cardiff manager, Erol Bulut, has admitted "I want him".
The Welshman would surely be keen on a return to his old club, in a league where he thrived, and Bournemouth will need to get him off the books if they intend to sign another centre-forward.
Mark Travers - Loan
Mark Travers was recalled from his loan at Stoke City in October, and has sat on the bench ever since.
The 24-year-old had been performing excellently, pegged as one of the best goalkeepers in the league and one of Stoke's star players.
To continue his development, it is vital that Bournemouth let Travers go back on loan to Stoke.
Hamed Traorè - Permanent Or Loan
Traorè has played just 44 minutes in the league this season, starting zero games.
The Ivorian has failed to make a huge impact at the club since his signing in January, which cost Bournemouth £20 million. Despite making seven appearances in the back-end of last season, he left fans feeling mildly disappointed.
With clubs like Sevilla, AC Milan, Napoli, and other Italian outfits interested, the option to cut their losses may seem attractive. Alternatively, a loan may help the 23-year-old get back to the heights he reached at Sassuolo - recovering his market value.
Gavin Kilkenny - Loan
Gavin Kilkenny has always shown promise as an academy product. He broke into the team in 2021/22, starting 13 games in the Championship.
Six month loans at both Stoke City and Charlton Athletic last season saw the Irishman play just 12 games in total.
However, injuries had played a significant part in this. Another loan to the EFL could give the 23-year-old the chance to finally shine because, let's face it, he is not getting league minutes anytime soon.
Agree with your comments - hoping Kelly signs an extension though
Really well phrased and fantastic research. Henry, you will go to higher places if you stick at it!