AFC Bournemouth have signed former UEFA Champions League winner, 2-time UEFA Europa League winner, 2-time Premier League winner, 2-time FA Cup winner, EFL Cup winner and former England international Gary Cahill on a free transfer.
The 35-year-old left Crystal Palace over the summer “after much thought and deliberation” after two seasons at Selhurst Park, he said posting on Instagram.
He had made 47 appearances in all competitions for Crystal Palace after joining them from Chelsea on a free transfer in August 2019.
Sun reporter Tom Barclay reported on Twitter that Cahill had rejected an offer to stay at Selhurt Park, as his “current wage demands are too high for the club”.
Understand Gary Cahill has turned down a new contract at Crystal Palace – and his current wage demands are too high for the club
— Tom Barclay (@TomBarclay_) July 22, 2021
The Sun continued to link Cahill with “Steven Gerrard’s Rangers, who could give him £35,000 a week”, whilst “Palace want Cahill to stay and sign a new deal after his contract expired — but the offer is less basic cash with extras for appearances”, however, he did decide to leave the Premier League outfit and his next destination proved to be Dean Court, signing a one-year contract on the south coast.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told afcb.co.uk…
“We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the finest defenders to have played in the Premier League.
“Gary has a wealth of experience and knowledge which can only benefit our squad, especially the younger members who have been performing so admirably for us this season.
“A player of his stature and standing in the game was always going to be coveted once he had left Crystal Palace following the expiry of his contract in the summer.
“The fact he has chosen to sign for us speaks volumes for our club, our new management team under Scott Parker and the ambition we have going forward.
“We believe this signing is a real coup and a huge statement of intent from the club and everybody at Vitality Stadium is looking forward immensely to working with Gary.”
Very pleased to join @afcbournemouth and looking forward to the new challenge. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. First training session with the lads today and feeling great. Can’t wait to see you all at the Vitality! #afcb #utc 🍒 pic.twitter.com/52tQOgxbny
— Gary Cahill (@GaryJCahill) August 20, 2021
Big smiles 😁
A first session for @GaryJCahill 💪 pic.twitter.com/sNLAIs0vr5
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 20, 2021
A message from our latest recruit 👋 pic.twitter.com/Gwdr2AFFJc
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 20, 2021
Prior to his move to Crystal Palace, Cahill spent seven-and-a-half years with Chelsea making 290 appearances for the club whilst winning every domestic and European competition.
He made the move to Stamford Bridge for £7million from Bolton Wanderers in January 2012.
Cahill also enjoyed spells with Aston Villa and loan moves to Burnley and Sheffield United.
As an international, he made 61 appearances for England between 2010 and 2018, playing in two World Cups (2014 and 2018) and one European Championship (2016).
Your say…
Sorry Roger wrote…
I was a bit underwhelmed initially. However, having watched their respective interviews on afcb.co.uk I am enthused. This is because there was a clear consistency between Scott Parker and Gary Cahill about the whats and whys of the move. Not down to media training either.
It may not work out but the Club and management team appear to have a realistic plan which the players seem overwhelmingly to be buying into. – Join the conversation, click here.
