AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has dismissed reports that the Cherries could sell striker Benik Afobe, with West Brom and Wolves interested.
With the summer signing of Jermain Defoe adding to the Cherries firepower in attack, Benik Afobe has seen few chances for appearances this season to-date.
The 24 year old, has made just 6 appearances totalling 176 minutes thus far this campaign.
Probably due in part to those statistics The Sun claimed that…
‘BOURNEMOUTH will sell Benik Afobe in one of the biggest auctions of the next transfer window.’
The report added…
‘The Cherries have spent heavily in the last couple of seasons and want to claw back some cash, with Afobe still holding his value at around £12million.’
However when asked if Afobe was seen as surplus to requirements as the report suggested, Howe told the Daily Echo…
‘…I don’t know how many appearances Benik has this season but he has been involved in most games.
‘He is a huge part of our plans.’
On keeping the squad happy when players miss out on selection, Howe added…
‘…I would like to think every player is enjoying their time here. There are challenges for every player as I can only pick 11 and I have a squad of 20-odd players, so there are going to be a lot of disappointed players who aren’t on the pitch.
‘But then it’s about the environment you create around that. How are we looking after our players? Are we doing the right things? Can we improve their careers even if they are not starting games on a regular basis?
‘We try to do that. It is a different thing to balance because, ultimately, in my position you want to create a winning team but you also want every player to reach their full potential under your guidance.’
Your Say…
NWCherries98 wrote…
he should definitely be starting with King instead of Defoe. King should be the main man upfront and Afobe gets the best out of him. – Join the conversation here.
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