Bournemouth Eye FIVE Right-Back Targets as Juanlu Sánchez Links Intensify

AFC Bournemouth’s summer recruitment drive shows little sign of slowing down, with attention now turning towards the right side of Marco Rose’s defence following the arrival of António Silva.

Reports on Saturday evening suggested Sevilla defender Juanlu Sánchez had moved firmly onto the Cherries’ radar, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claiming Bournemouth were working on another addition following Silva’s unveiling.

Romano reported that “another signing is underway after António Silva was revealed yesterday”, adding that the Spanish right-back had “already received the contract proposal”.

However, suggestions that a deal for Juanlu is already at an advanced stage have since been played down.

Sky Sports journalist and former AFC Bournemouth employee Mark McAdam has reported that the 22-year-old is just one of several players being considered, with the Cherries believed to have drawn up a shortlist of five potential right-back targets.

Alongside Juanlu, Torino’s Marcus Pedersen and RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida are reportedly under consideration, while the identities of another two players remain unknown.

McAdam explained: “Sporting Director Tiago Pinto is hoping to move quickly to add another new face to Marco Rose’s team and the right-back slot is the area of the squad being targeted after the €30 million signing of Antonio Silva from Benfica today.”

He added that “Sky Sports News is expecting this to move quickly”, although stressed that Bournemouth are “not advanced in any negotiations with any clubs right now”.

That position has also been echoed by the Daily Echo’s Alexander Smith, who indicated that the Cherries have not yet reached the advanced-talks stage with any of their potential targets.

While Juanlu’s name may have appeared from nowhere for some supporters, he had already been identified as a possible Bournemouth target.

Bournemouth Roundtable’s Tom Jordan highlighted the Sevilla youngster in an article published on July 18, examining defenders who could potentially strengthen the Cherries ahead of a demanding 2026/27 campaign.

Jordan described Juanlu as a player who “has emerged as one of La Liga's most exciting young defenders in recent years”.

He continued: “Comfortable operating as both a traditional right full back as well as a wing back, Juanlu is known for making energetic overlapping runs, delivering dangerous crosses and contributing in the final third.”

Those attributes could make the Spaniard particularly attractive to Bournemouth as Rose begins implementing his own ideas at Dean Court.

Jordan added: “Juanlu has obvious attacking instincts, but is also a disciplined defender who presses aggressively and recovers quickly, traits that would fit naturally into the Cherries' intense and relentless style of football.

“His confidence on the ball and willingness to play forward would help Bournemouth build attacks from deep while offering another creative outlet down the right flank.”

Recruiting another right-back has become one of Bournemouth’s most obvious priorities following the departure of Alex Jimenez.

The Milan defender initially arrived on loan ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with an obligation to buy included under certain conditions. Jimenez quickly established himself as an important member of Andoni Iraola’s side and went on to make 32 appearances across all competitions during a memorable season.

His departure has left long-serving Adam Smith as the club’s most established option in the position.

Smith continues to demonstrate his reliability whenever called upon and has repeatedly adapted to the demands of Premier League football during more than a decade on the south coast. However, Bournemouth’s need to identify a longer-term option on the right side of defence remains clear, particularly with European football adding further fixtures to an already demanding schedule.

Juanlu would offer some of the versatility Bournemouth previously enjoyed with Jimenez. Predominantly a right-back, the Sevilla youngster is also comfortable operating further forward, with his technical ability and attacking instincts potentially providing Rose with several tactical options.

Whether Juanlu ultimately becomes the player Bournemouth pursue remains to be seen.

What does appear increasingly clear, however, is that Tiago Pinto and the Cherries’ recruitment team want to move quickly.

With the beginning of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign approaching and Europa League football also on the horizon, Rose will understandably want as much of his squad in place as possible before competitive action begins.

With five names reportedly under consideration and Bournemouth actively working on the position, developments in the club’s search for a new right-back could arrive quickly over the coming days.