The 2018 summer transfer window is set to be a big window for AFC Bournemouth according to Cherries manager Eddie Howe.
The Cherries in recent years have attempted to get the majority of their recruitment done in the summer window, opposed to the winter window and in the main, the incoming transfers are usually completed early on in the window.
Last year, that included the signings of both Nathan Ake and Asmir Begovic from then Premier League champions Chelsea for a combined fee of £30million and the free transfer of veteran England striker Jermain Defoe.
The additions of Begovic and Defoe were not the normal signings that the Cherries would make, both players with huge experience of the Premier League.
Instead, the signing of Nathan Ake was one that very much mirrored previous signings such as Jordon Ibe from Liverpool for £15million in 2016 or Lewis Cook from Leeds United for £10million in 2015.
All three young signings have over time, proved to be shrewd moves in the transfer market and Howe is hoping for more of the same in 2018.
Howe told Sky Sports…
“…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.”
“We’re never going to be able to sign established Premier League players who are aged 24-26 and in their prime, It’s just not going to happen and we’re well aware of that.
“We have to choose a route to go down in terms of our recruitment. More often than not we try to sign young players, develop and improve them so when they are in their prime they can step into the Premier League and do very well.
“It won’t always work, you’ll get one or two wrong along the way, but in the main I think that’s probably still the healthiest way for us to recruit because then you get the long-term benefits.
Your say…
northstandmark wrote…
Straight into starting 11 signings:
Ben Pearson – Preston – Central Midfielder, quality on the ball and decent engine
Craig Dawson – West Brom – right sided CB who can also cover RB, lots of PL experience to slot straight in
Jay Rodriguez – West From – winger/forward option who would slot straight in, Eddie knows him well
Subs bench development signings:
David Brooks – Sheffield United – winger/forward option who would be more a developmental prospect
Chris Mepham – Brentford CB as already linked, or as an alternative:
Zak Vyner – Bristol City – right sided CB who can cover right back – Join the conversation, click here.
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