Two Replacements For Josh King Who Bournemouth Can Target
After securing a record 9th placed finish in Premier League, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is keen to get closer to a European spot and has shown early indications of a busy transfer window by acquiring the services of Chelsea duo Nathan Ake and Asmir Begovic, along with veteran Englishman Jermain Defoe on a Bosman transfer from the relegated Sunderland.
The Cherries, however, are uncertain about the future of their superstar Joshua King who is drawing interests from Premier League hotshots Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. King, the former Manchester United reject, has shown massive improvement since his move from Blackburn Rovers a couple of years back. The Norwegian forward had a promising spell for the newly promoted Bournemouth during the 2015-16 season, but he took his game on to next level during the previous campaign, as the attacker netted 16 times in 36 Premier League outings.
King, who is capable of playing in a number of attacking roles, might look for a greater career move and the Cherries must look for his replacement prior to the forthcoming season.
We have scouted a couple of names who can replace King upfront if he decides to leave Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth:
Alan Ruiz
Club: Sporting CP
Age: 23
Country: Argentina
The Argentine youth international had an impressive spell for Portuguese heavyweights Sporting CP and despite limited opportunities (only 19 league starts), Ruiz netted 6 times and assisted thrice since his move last summer. The versatile attacker is a set-piece specialist, has strong dribbling skills, has a laudable range of passing and shooting, likes to cut inside and do layoffs.
He is still young but had a steady outing in his first season in Europe. Although a name not so familiar to the supporters, Ruiz can be a decent ‘value for money’ signing for the Cherries and can become a Premier League star if he fulfils his potential.
Juanmi
Club: Real Sociedad
Age: 24
Country: Spain
Juanmi had a dispiriting Premier League experience with Southampton during 2015-16 season when he joined them from La Liga outfit Malaga. The Spaniard, however, lacked enough first team opportunities as he made 19 appearances across all competitions (only 2 starts) and failed to score in any. The attacker, who made it to the Spain senior squad prior to this move, lost his ground after a dismal spell and went back to his country in order to revive his derailed career.
Juanmi did it quite spectacularly as he netted 15 times in 39 outings (20 appearances came as a substitute) altogether for his current club Real Sociedad and impressed in multiple attacking roles. Although he has his weaknesses in crossing and holding on to the ball, the Spaniard is hailed for his strong finishing as well as terrific heading skills. Juanmi, too, will enjoy a return to Premier League football in order to conclude the unfinished business and show his quality.