Bournemouth fans have been ever present recently at the Football Transfer Tavern and with the European Championship final just round the corner, they have began to turn their thoughts to the rest of the transfer window and the coming season.
Eddie Howe has already been quite active in the transfer market this summer with Nathan Ake coming in on loan from Chelsea, Jordan Ibe being rumoured to be joining from Liverpool for a fee of £15m and finally Lewis Cook from Leeds for a fee of £10m.
Despite these 3 big moves in the transfer market, there is always room for more and for a team playing in the top flight of English football, depth can be one of the most important assets for your squad during the long season with no winter break.
Although Howe might not have the biggest transfer budget at his disposal for a Bournemouth side heading into only its second season in the Premier League, it can’t hurt to do a bit of window shopping at the Euro 2016 final.
With that in mind, the Cherries fans here in the bar have come up with a wish list of the THREE Euro 2016 finalists Eddie Howe should try and tempt to Dean Court.
Rui Patricio
If you have seen much of Bournemouth over the last season you may be inclined to believe that the key to success for Eddie Howe’s side is a new keeper as a replacement for Artur Boruc. The 28-year-old Sporting Lisbon keeper is one of the few talented undiscovered keepers in Europe.
He’s perfect for the Cherries, he wouldn’t be too expensive, he’s experienced and come Sunday evening, he may have a Euro 2016 winner’s medal. As Man United showed last season, a great keeper can save a team’s season so out of all the players on this list, Patricio could be crucial to Bournemouth’s success in the 2016/17 campaign.
Andre-Pierre Gignac
Something this Bournemouth side lacks is experience which is one thing Andre-Pierre Gignac has plenty of. The former Marseille man has been a feared striker across Europe for the past 6 or 7 years, before his move to the Mexican League that is.
With his experience, Gignac can not only bring more goals to Dean Court but he can also help in the development of players like Joshua King and Callum Wilson which can only mean great things for the South Coast club. Whilst the transfer is unlikely as Gignac seemed to make his move to the Mexican division to represent him nearing the end of his career, a great tournament so far in his native France could have the offers flooding in for the striker so Eddie Howe needs to get in while he still can.
Adrien Silva
Another Portuguese international and Sporting Lisbon first team star, Adrien Silva could be an ideal signing should Eddie Howe decide to go with a different formation such as 4-3-3 next season.
The central midfielder is excellent with the ball at his feet and can distribute a pass towards the front men with ease. Another potential cheap buy and a move that Silva is likely to want to make as it will give him a chance of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
A more attacking player who would fit in the centre of the park nicely with the likes of Surman, Arter and Bournemouth’s new £10m man Lewis Cook, Adrien Silva could bring some more flair to a side who played a very flat 4-4-2 last season.
Cherries fans, what do you make of this selection? Will you be keeping an eye on these three come Sunday? Let us know in the comments below…
