AFC Bournemouth are now pushing towards a 4th consecutive season in the Premier League. They are establishing themselves as a Premier League staple now and their expectations shouldn’t be just to avoid relegation.
The Cherries finished 12th in 2017/18 season and should at least look for a top-10 finish next season. The way to do that is by new acquisitions, as manager Eddie Howe has already done a brilliant job in improving the squad and getting the best out of them.
Bournemouth’s defence is very leaky and Howe must strengthen at the back. Striker Benik Afobe has joined Wolves and so a need for a striker is also there. Here are three players the South Coast side should consider signing:
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney is among the best young left-backs in world football at the moment. He has already won multiple leagues and cups with Celtic in Scotland and it is time for the prodigy to take the next step in his career. A move to the Premier League is the answer. He has been linked with Bournemouth before and the move would benefit both parties.
Tierney, aged just 20, already has 130 senior appearances to his name. He is the definition of a modern full-back who is equally good at either end. He has 4 goals and an assist to his name this season, along with a dribble and 1.2 key passes per game. The lad can defend too.
The Scot averages 2 tackles, 2.7 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game. He has a wise head on young shoulders and has abundant leadership qualities, as he has captained the club and country a few times.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Tierney is a tank, charging up and down the left flank. He could form a partnership on the left-hand side of the defence with Nathan Ake for years to come.
Jay Rodriguez
Jay Rodriguez might be on his way out of relegated West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies are reportedly ready to consider offers above £20m.
He has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs and a move to the Vitality Stadium is on the cards. Much of this is down to the past relation between Rodriguez and Eddie Howe when they were together at Burnley.
Rodriguez would fit in very well at the Vitality. He could play as a second striker or lead the line in Bournemouth’s 4-4-1-1 setup. He is a tireless runner, acts like the first line of defence, is experienced, has a height advantage over all the strikers that Bournemouth currently have.
He has a few seasons at the top still left in him. He scored 11 goals in 42 apps for a dull West Brom side last season and will certainly improve in the South Coast. The Cherries play an attacking style of football and Rodriguez will fit in very well and at least hit double figures in the league.
Jonny Evans
Another West Bromwich Albion player who deserves to stay up in the Premier League is Jonny Evans. He has been solid for West Brom since arriving from Manchester United.
Evans buyout clause is a mere £3m and multiple Premier League clubs are behind him. However, Bournemouth should swoop in and close the deal.
Evans is a set-piece threat and has come up with headers more often than not. He has a passing accuracy of 80% and would suit Howe’s playing styles.
He averages one tackle, 1.7 interceptions and 4.4 clearances per game. Evans is 30 and would add some much-needed solidity at the back.