Phil McNulty's predictions - Bournemouthpublished at 08:59 15 August
08:59 15 August
It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.
Bournemouth - 14th
The loss of Dominic Solanke, who provided 19 Premier League goals last season, was a bitter blow to the Cherries but under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola there will still be optimism on the south coast.
Iraola provided a measured, calm response to a dreadful start last season by sticking to his pressing principles and Bournemouth improved.
Solanke's departure will increase responsibility on Antoine Semenyo and more consistency will be expected from Luis Sinisterra now he has made a permanent £20m move from Leeds United after a loan spell.
Could be anxious times ahead but expect the Cherries, under Iraola, to survive.
'Cherries dream that right signing could bring top-half finish'published at 16:02 14 August
16:02 14 August
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Bournemouth go into the new season looking for a new centre-forward after a summer of speculation over Dominic Solanke's future concluded with his sale to Tottenham last week.
I wrote on this page in February that "an eye-watering summer bid for a player close to the peak of his resale value might be reluctantly accepted" and the Cherries held firm for a club record deal that could eventually be worth the full £65m specified in the release clause in Solanke's contract - although a sell-on percentage passes to Liverpool.
Owner Bill Foley told BBC Sport last month that "two or three candidates" were lined up if Solanke departed, and although a direct replacement has yet to arrive, Bournemouth have a fortnight before the transfer window closes.
While Daniel Jebbison, 21 this week, was signed from Sheffield United as one for the future with the expectation that he would probably be loaned out this season, Iraola has used pre-season as an audition to make his case for being part of the first-team squad.
And with Enes Unal missing the start of the season with the foot injury that ruled him out of Euro 2024, Jebbison may have to stick around for now.
After a slow start last season as the squad adjusted to new boss Andoni Iraola's style of play, Bournemouth will hope to hit the ground running this term.
Unbeaten in pre-season, they have continued to recruit exciting new players from Europe in defensive duo Dean Huijsen from Juventus and Julian Araujo from Barcelona.
They will dare to dream that the right signing up front could bring the top-half finish which Foley craves.
'Young talent' Araujo will 'flourish' at Bournemouthpublished at 15:56 14 August
15:56 14 August
We asked for your views on Bournemouth's newest signing Julian Araujo, after the 23-year-old joined the Cherries on a five-year deal.
Here are some of your comments:
Charl: This is exactly the type of player Bournemouth should be signing. He has a wealth of experience at the highest level, yet he is relatively young and has his best years to come. He seems a great prospect. Now we need to offload Romain Faivre and Dango Ouattara, and sign the Brazilian from Porto. Job done!
Keith: At 23 years old, Julian needs a club to flourish at and AFC Bournemouth will provide him with that opportunity.
Tony: It is good to see that we are bringing in some young talent at a very cheap price, but I do worry that we have a lot of players in the same position. We already have a lot of depth, so we should be looking at the areas that we need to strengthen - such as strikers and goalkeepers.
Andrew: He seems like a fine addition. I'm looking forward to seeing him play. A warm welcome to Araujo!
Geoff: This is an exciting signing so clearly someone other than Chris Mepham must be on the move. Personally, I think a proven striker coming in should be the current priority.
'I'm a guy who likes to lead'published at 15:17 14 August
15:17 14 August
Image source, Getty Images
New Bournemouth signing Julian Araujo says Cherries fans "will never see me back down" in his first interview at the club.
Right-back Araujo's move from Barcelona was confirmed on Tuesday and a chat with manager Andoni Iraola was key behind the 23-year-old deciding to make the move.
"That was one of the most important things for me," he told club media.
"When I had the conversation with him [Iraola] he explained his formation and how he could see me on his team.
"I was very excited - he likes the outside backs to attack and defend. I watched some games last year and I know you guys had a very successful one and want to build off that. I'm happy to be here and hopefully I can provide and add to that."
Araujo signed for Barcelona from LA Galaxy last summer but spent the season on loan at fellow La Liga side Las Palmas, where he made 25 league appearances.
"I played a lot of games and got a lot of minutes under a very good coach at Las Palmas. It was very exciting time there. It was a step needed in my career coming from MLS - it was the right step," he added.
"It was a lot of possession. I think I grew on and off the pitch. I'm a guy who likes to lead. I'm very confident so I want to bring happiness and enjoy every day as much as we can.
"You guys will get everything out of me. I will ride for this team. I will be myself. You will never see me back down and I will give my all for the team."
Dig into the data - what will season deliver?published at 12:07 14 August
12:07 14 August
Chris Collinson BBC Sport football statistician
Bournemouth were not amazing or awful in any particular stat last season, but that is due to the terrible start they had on their way to achieving their highest Premier League points tally.
If those winless first nine games were the runway for Andoni Iraola's ideas to take off, then once they did, the Cherries ranked in the top half for every stat in the graphic except possession.
Indeed, outside the top three, Bournemouth boasted the most shots and the lowest xG against figure.
Only five teams took more points than the Cherries in that time and they also had the best expected goal difference outside of the top three.
This means that, while the loss of top scorer Dominic Solanke is a big blow, it is reasonable for Bournemouth to be aiming for a top-half finish this time around.
When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?published at 11:54 14 August
11:54 14 August
Image source, Getty Images
The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the first-round tie between Leeds United and Middlesbrough.
Thirteen Premier League clubs will enter in the second round, as will Luton Town and Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight in 18th and 19th positions last season.
The draw for round two will be regionalised into northern and southern sections.
The seven Premier League clubs playing in European competitions in 2024-25, including Carabao Cup holders Liverpool, will come in at the third-round stage.
The key dates for the competition are as follows:
Second round - w/c 26 August
Third round - w/c 16 and w/c 23 September
Fourth round - w/c 28 October
Quarter-finals - w/c 16 December
Semi-finals - w/c 6 January (first leg) and w/c 3 February
Gossip: Cherries want Nketiah to replace Solankepublished at 07:34 14 August
07:34 14 August
Bournemouth are targeting 25-year-old Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah to fill the void left by Dominic Solanke, who has completed a move to Tottenham. (Mail), external
Araujo completes Cherries move - tell us your thoughtspublished at 16:11 13 August
16:11 13 August
Bournemouth have signed right-back Julian Araujo from Barcelona.
The 23-year-old has joined on a five-year deal for a fee reported to be about 10m euros (£8.5m).
Chief executive Neill Blake said Araujo is a "young player with high potential" and the Cherries were "pleased to have beaten lots of competition for his signature".
What do you think about the signing, Cherries fans? The type of player you were hoping for?
Breakout star? It's season predictionspublished at 13:06 13 August
13:06 13 August
Tom Jordan Fan writer
Where will you finish in the league and why?
Another season fuelled by optimism for Bournemouth fans and a top-half finish certainly does not feel too ambitious. 10th spot could well be a realistic aim having only lost one key player in Lloyd Kelly from the squad so far, and quickly replacing him with promising defender Dean Huijsen. Andoni Iraola came in last season and despite a period of adjustment, we comfortably managed to finish in a higher position and with more points than in our previous campaign under Gary O'Neil.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
As mentioned, Huijsen is currently the main signing the club has made. Only 19 years of age and having impressed on loan at Roma from Juventus last season, Huijsen has all the attributes to be a fans' favourite for many years to come.
What do you want from your manager this season?
Progression both on and off the pitch is the aim for the club and in Iraola we all feel secure that progress can continue. His offensive and high-energy approach is a delight to watch and should stand us in good stead moving forward.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
This could be the season in which Alex Scott shows the league just how great he is. A signing with a lot of potential, he suffered with injuries last season, so if he can stay fit he is most definitely one to watch.
What is your one major concern?
Our main concern is the loss of Dominic Solanke, with Tottenham triggering his £65m release clause. Evidently Dom was enormous for us last season, scoring 19 league goals and linking our forward play exceptionally. Staying would have been a massive signal of intent from the club, alas, we need to be mindful of PSR. Now, the recruitment team have a big job in trying to replace our main man.
Wales defender Chris Mepham, 26, is expected to leave Bournemouth this summer on either a permanent or loan deal, with Ipswich, Torino and Anderlecht all interested. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Bournemouth 3-2 Girona - fans' verdictpublished at 08:20 12 August
08:20 12 August
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's pre-season friendly between Bournemouth and Girona.
Here are some of your comments:
Geoff: Life after Dominic Solanke started on the right foot with a good display and the score could easily have been greater for Bournemouth. I believe the display against Girona proves that we are not a one-trick pony.
Keith: Encouraging performance against a Champions League outfit with Christie excellent. Bring on Forest!
Clive: It was good to see the progress. Undoubtedly some players don't fit the system and style. More outs than ins to come.
Mark: Very good game, with great interplay in attack. One big mistake in defence for cthe Stuani goal. Left feeling that we could have a better season than last.
Gossip: Bournemouth interested in Abrahampublished at 07:37 12 August
'I trust the club' - Iraola on Solanke replacementpublished at 11:44 11 August
11:44 11 August
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark caught up with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola after the pre-season victory over Girona.
He asked the Bournemouth boss for his reflections on the departed Dominic Solanke: "We know it’s a big loss - he was probably our best player. He was very impactful for us but also there is a personal part that is also very important. Everyone felt he has given us everything and behaved amazingly until the last minute. Now that he’s gone and is going to play in Europe this season, I hope he performs well and has a great season. We’ll be cheering for him definitely."
On the hopes of signing a replacement: "The club is working on it. It’s never easy to sign forwards, especially number nines. There are not a lot with a level close to the one we lost. But I’m sure the club will do their best and we will be fine. I don’t know about financial fair play or ask about the numbers. Everything is under control. The club knows very well what they are doing."
On if the Cherries will spend all the money they received on Solanke: "It is always difficult but sometimes it’s not only about the money - it’s about finding the right profile with the aim and hunger to play for us and to be important for Bournemouth. It will be difficult but this kind of circumstances happen and now obviously it’s very important because it’s the most expensive sale of the club and it will not be easy to replace him."
Bournemouth 3-2 Girona - tell us your thoughtspublished at 19:24 10 August
19:24 10 August
Image source, Getty Images
Summer signing Daniel Jebbison scored the winner off the bench as Bournemouth rounded off their pre-season campaign with victory over La Liga side Girona.
Justin Kluivert scored an early penalty for the Cherries before Cristhian Stuani equalised. Teenage winger Joel Roca put Girona in front but Luis Sinisterra cancelled out his strike.
And, just two minutes after coming on, Jebbison hinted there was life after Dominic Solanke when he tapped home Bournemouth's third at the back post.
Were you at the game, Cherries supporters?
How is Andoni Iraola's side shaping up for the new season?
Saturday's pre-season actionpublished at 13:59 10 August
13:59 10 August
The Premier League season is fast approaching and clubs are continuing their pre-season preparations.
Here's a look at some of the teams in action on a busy Saturday.
All times BST
'If Solanke goes for £60m+, it's a good deal'published at 17:52 9 August
17:52 9 August
We asked for your thoughts on Dominic Solanke potentially leaving Bournemouth to join Tottenham Hotspur.
Here are some of your comments:
Jack: Solanke is almost definitely leaving, we need to go all out to sign an exciting replacement. Jhon Duran from Villa fits the bill and won't come cheap but, unlike Chelsea and West Ham who he's been linked with, we can offer him a lot of minutes and build our already dynamic attack around him.
James: If he goes for £60m+ it's a good deal. I think Tammy Abraham would be the best replacement we can get this transfer window. Even without a replacement, Semenyo can play up top if required.
Dennis: A deserved move and wished well for his future. Has served Bournemouth well although I would have liked one more season with him. Leaves with love and best wishes.
Lee: Such a shame to be losing Dominic, he's been a brilliant player for us. Hopefully we'll bring in a striker with the same commitment whose ego isn't bigger than the team. Fantastic player, at least now he might get a call-up for the national team. Dominic will be a huge loss to the team.
Ben: I'd have liked to have seen us put up a bit more of a fight to keep him as there's no immediate need to sell him. He's got a few years left on his contract, but you can argue his stock is high and he's earned it. Will be such a shame to see him go and I hope we're not leaving it late to bring in a quality replacement.
