Where Bournemouth Stars Could Go This Summer if Cherries Are Relegated

Bournemouth are staring Premier League relegation in the face after taking just a single point from their last eight games and recording four straight defeats since the campaign restarted.

The Cherries have taken only eight points from a possible 48 during what has been an even longer wretched run of form since mid-December.

Were it not for a very positive start to the season, Eddie Howe’s team might have already been cut adrift like Norwich and are in this dire form at the worst time, even though they are still only one point from safety as things stand.

The expectation is that after five years in the Premier League, relegation would see something of a clear out at the Vitality Stadium as costs are cut and funds raised for life on Championship budget.

A number of players would have to be sold to make that happen. Here’s a closer look at who might go this summer and where they could head to…

David Brooks

Having missed all of the 2019/20 season until the enforced coronavirus pause with a long-term ankle injury, David Brooks has made his long awaited return to action since the campaign restarted.

The Wales international emerged as a rising star last season, his first in the Premier League following a 2018 move from Sheffield United, and scored seven times from midfield.

Brook remains in the young bracket for the time being and could be a sound investment for a mid to lower Premier League team, or newly promoted side, looking for additional creativity.

Possible Clubs to Join: Sheffield United, Burnley, Watford, Leeds

Adam Smith

Adam Smith has been a Premier League starting full-back, versatile enough to play on the left or right, since Bournemouth were promoted to the top flight in 2015.

At 29, the former Tottenham youth prospect should still have something to give at this level and, like Brooks, is another the bottom half of the Premier League might fancy.

Promotion contenders West Brom in particular recently lost Nathan Ferguson when his contract expired, with the teen starlet having started 21 times in the Championship this season.

Possible Clubs to Join: West Ham, Crystal Palace, West Brom

Steve Cook

After nine years at Bournemouth and one of the last few survivors from the club’s League One promotion winning side, Steve Cook might consider it time to move on.

Like Smith, he has been a regular at Premier League level ever since top flight promotion and at 29 is still young enough to stay at this level for at least a coupe more season with the right club.

Former team Brighton might be a no-go given their four existing strong centre-backs, but other lower half teams or those coming into the Premier League could be options.

Possible Clubs to Join: Crystal Palace, Burnley, Leeds, West Brom

Jefferson Lerma

Colombian international Jefferson Lerma cost Bournemouth around £25m in the summer of 2018. As one of the Cherries’ highest earners, moving him on to stretch a smaller budget is an obvious tactic.

Lerma rarely doesn’t play and is therefore well known to other Premier League sides. However, of all that could leave the club in the coming few months, he is most likely to head abroad.

Bournemouth might find it difficult to recoup their investment, particularly in the current crisis, and it may be a loan with a view to reviewing the situation again next year.

Possible Clubs to Join: West Ham, Real Betis, Roma, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen

Joshua King

Manchester United tried to sign Joshua King as a stop-gap forward in January before moving on to Odion Ighalo. Bournemouth refused to negotiate then, but an exit now seems highly likely.

King only has another year left on his current contract and the club’s position has weakened, even before potential relegation comes into play as an additional factor.

Proven in the Premier League, the Norwegian could add depth for cash-strapped Arsenal. Alternatively, he could be of use to the likes of Leicester, Newcastle or others in mid-table.

Possible Clubs to Join: Arsenal, Leicester, Newcastle, West Ham

Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake needed to drop down the Premier League ladder from Chelsea in order to establish himself in the top flight and has now done that, playing every game in both 2017/18 and 2018/19.

The Netherlands international has been linked with former club Chelsea, although more recently Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is alleged to have made his interest known.

Arsenal would also enormously benefit from improving their defence and might be able to negotiate a favourable deal - given their financial situation - if Bournemouth are relegated.

Possible Clubs to Join: Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham

Callum Wilson

When fully fit, Callum Wilson has proven himself to be a capable Premier League goalscorer and could potentially do well in a team that can provide him with chances.

He has worked his way into the England squad thanks to his league form in the relatively recent past and could add depth to a team that has ambitions of European football.

Leicester could potentially come into the equation, given that Jamie Vardy will be 34 next season and the Foxes will have at least Europa League football added to their schedule.

Possible Clubs to Join: Newcastle, Everton, Leicester, Southampton

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