AFC Bournemouth have recalled defender James Hill from his loan spell with Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers according to local reports in both Lancashire and on the south coast.
The news was first reported a few days ago by the Lancashire Telegraph, who stated “that the Premier League club are keen to bring the young defender back to the South Coast after a spate of injuries in their squad.”
The report goes on to add that “the (recall) option does not become valid until the second week of January”. Which would explain why the news has yet to be announced officially by either AFC Bournemouth or Blackburn Rovers.
According to BBC Radio Solent reporter Kris Temple, AFC Bournemouth would like to see Hill return earlier than this, so he could be involved in the squad for the FA Cup third-round tie with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
🍒 To clarify, contractually he is at Blackburn until after the weekend. #AFCB would like him back for the #QPR game. https://t.co/hzBv3QaEHm
— Kris Temple (@kristemple) January 4, 2024
The former England Under-21 international, who is due to turn 22 next week, has been enjoying his longest run of regular football since he made the move to AFC Bournemouth from Fleetwood Town two years ago.
Before his move to the South Coast, Hill had been linked with several clubs including Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Sheffield United, Leeds United and Southampton.
But he has been limited to just 5 appearances in an AFC Bournemouth shirt, including just two starts, both coming in cup competitions.
However, during his spell with Blackburn Rovers, Hill has made 20 appearances including 14 starts in the second-tier of English football.
Your say…
Allen said…
If Blackburn were still doing well, it would make sense for him to stay there and play regularly for a top Championship team. They are falling apart like Birmingham at the moment. Good for him to come back. It could suggest Mepham or Kelly might be on the move (hopefully not). Hill also played full-back for us earlier in the season and looked decent. – To join the conversation, click here.
