Has Eddie Howe done enough in the transfer window to improve his Bournemouth side?
They defied the odds by avoiding relegation, but the next question for Bournemouth and manager Eddie Howe is whether they can build on that success and improve this term.
Second-season syndrome seems to the nemesis for so many clubs that have been able to stay in the Premier League the first time of asking, so it will be a question of whether the players can repeat the same performances as last season.
In
Jack Wilshere – Arsenal (Loan)
Marc Wilson – Stoke City (Undisclosed fee)
Brad Smith – Liverpool (£6m)
Jordan Ibe – Liverpool (£15m)
Lewis Cook – Leeds United (£7m + £3m in add ons)
Lys Mousset – Le Havre (Undisclosed)
Emerson Hyndman – Fulham (Free)
Nathan Ake – Chelsea (Loan)
The objective for the Cherries will no doubt be once more avoiding relegation. Eddie Howe is wise enough to know how far the club have come in past few years, so to consolidate as a Premier League club will be their sole target.
Recruitment has been relatively quiet for Bournemouth. They have added young talents Nathan Ake, Lewis Cook, Jordan Ibe and Brad Smith, but Marc Wilson had looked like being their only signing with an abundance of Premier League experience.
However, to secure the services of Jack Wilshere on a season-long loan is a huge coup for Eddie Howe. The signing of the midfielder will no doubt elevate the playing squad, and he will definitely add much-needed quality in the midfield to link up with the forwards, although questions will remain about his fitness.
An issue for Howe is that he has not strengthened with enough Premier League quality. Jordan Ibe could flourish on the south coast although he may need time to get to grips with playing regular football week in, week out after a stop-start period in the Liverpool squad.
The sale of Matt Ritchie to Newcastle United would have been a disappointment to all supporters and the club. The winger was a fundamental part of the club’s promotion in 2015 as well as keeping them in the Premier League last season – can Ibe fill the void?
Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie scores their second goal from the penalty spot
The policy of focusing largely on young players has obvious benefits for the future, but could cause an issue with a lack of fresh faces to instantly force their way into the side. The likes of Ake, Cook and Smith may well find themselves as squad players, playing second fiddle to the rest of the team.
Grade: B-
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
