Bournemouth Fan View: Who will stay and who will leave this summer?
Bournemouth’s season is effectively over now, fighting for a top half finish aside. So now is a good time to look at the squad my team has in place. Who do we need to cling on to? Whom will stay and fight for first team football? Who are valuable squad players?
Finally, who do we need to cast off? All these questions – and possibly more – are answered below.
Players we’ll have to fight to hold onto
One name stands above all others in this section, and that’s Josh King. The Norwegian has been in scintillating form for us this campaign, and this has naturally garnered much attention from potential suitors. In my opinion he should continue to improve under Howe for at least one more season. But, you know, money talks. Sadly.
The other player we need to cling onto is Steve Cook, who has been our most consistent performer this campaign. Although the centre-back should stick around. He’s been quoted as saying he’s enjoying growing with the club after all. If he wants to have any chance of breaking into the England squad then he might eventually have to leave the south coast however.
READ MORE: Why Chelsea legend John Terry moving to China is becoming increasingly unlikely
Players fighting for a first team place
Artur Boruc triggered an appearance related clause in his contract recently which means he’ll be with us for one more season. Rather than this being a problem I can see him fighting hard to keep his first team place, even if we end up bringing in Asmir Begović from Chelsea. The former Polish international has been excellent this season.
In terms of the back four Simon Francis, Charlie Daniels, and Adam Smith will be looking to maintain their places alongside Steve Cook – but I imagine Tyrone Mings will hope to oust Francis as one of our centre backs. I think he’ll get his chance to do so as well. Francis has been a superb player for us, but has been found wanting against the better Premier League sides.
Moving onto the midfield, Harry Arter has actually come in for criticism from some Bournemouth fans recently. I think he’s pivotal to everything we do as a team though, and would be a huge miss if he was to leave. I can see him forming an effective partnership with Lewis Cook next season. Barring any potential Jack Wilshere sized additions this summer of course.
On the wings Ryan Fraser and Junior Stanislas will likely be the players Howe keeps the most faith in when it comes to the places in the starting eleven. Fraser in particular has the chance to cement his first team place after putting in some very impressive performances this season.
Up front Benik Afobe will be looking to continue his solid partnership with King. Although Callum Wilson will no doubt be looking to force his way back into consideration. Whisper it, but I think Wilson might struggle to do so after his horribly unfortunate run of injuries.
Valuable squad players
We have a large number of midfielders who will likely be valuable squad players next season. Marc Pugh and Dan Gosling are both dependable figures for instance, with both playing a huge part in seeing us avoid relegation this campaign.
I can also see Andrew Surman being offered a new short-term contract this summer, unless he’s incredibly eager for first team football elsewhere. Emerson Hyndman will also likely be fighting away for a place in the first eleven, but may struggle to break through despite impressing on loan at Rangers.
More problematic is Jordon Ibe, who has had a miserable season for us despite his huge price-tag. There are rumours he’ll be put out on loan, and that may be what’s best for him.
Regarding other players that might be shipped out on loan, striker Lys Mousset and defender Baily Cargill both have much to learn. I can see both youngsters being put out on loan to Championship clubs dependent on who we bring in over the summer. *cough* Jermain Defoe and John Terry. *cough*
Players that may have to be moved on
Max Gradel wants a new challenge, and will likely move on this summer. It’s a shame, as he certainly helped us survive last season when he returned from injury. The harsh truth is that throughout this campaign he’s struggled to shine when he’s come off the bench though.
Next, if we bring in Asmir Begovic then we will have far too many goalkeepers. I can see Artur Boruc and recently signed Aaron Ramsdale staying. Adam Federici as well as Ryan Allsopp will be the ones that move on – if they want first team football.
Moving on, Brad Smith has been poor this season in my view. If we can get back some of the ridiculous six million pound fee we paid for him then we should take that all day long. On the subject of full backs Rhoys Wiggins suffered a terrible injury while out on loan at Birmingham City in October, but I can see him be quietly let go this summer. He has not yet played a single minute for us on his second spell at the club.
Finally, on-loan Lewis Grabban will likely be signed by Reading permanently. If they want him that is.
