If Ryan Fraser goes on to have a successful career at a big club, then the 25-year-old will look back and highlight this season as the one that set him on that path.
Fraser provided 14 Premier League assists this term and continues to be linked with a move away from Bournemouth (Daily Mirror).
Eddie Howe, however, appears to have no intention of letting the Scottish winger leave this summer.
The Breakdown
“I think with the money involved in the Premier League now, letting a player’s contract run out is definitely something that’s a possibility,” Howe told the Daily Echo.
“Ryan is probably more valuable to us on the pitch than the money we could ever get on a resale.
“He’s under contract next year and we’re looking forward to working with him again.”
Based on those words, it looks like Howe is prepared to keep Fraser for another year and then lose him on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2020.
In the long run, it is not the smartest of moves financially. But with the Premier League competitive as ever, Howe has to think about next season and not beyond that.
And as the Bournemouth boss has alluded to, what Fraser brings to the table probably outweighs what the Cherries are likely to get from his sale.
With just one year left to run on his contract, they are not going to get crazy money for him. Bearing that in mind, among other factors, it is going to be extremely difficult for Howe to find an adequate replacement.
Considering that, holding onto Fraser and his 21 goal involvements for another season could be the way to go for Howe.
Bournemouth fans, should the club sell up now or risk losing Fraser on a free? Join the discussion by commenting below.
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