Marco Rose has identified two key positions the Cherries must strengthen before the new Premier League season, admitting the club will be looking at both a new centre back and right full back. Plenty of time remains in the market, but the Bournemouth boss has made it clear what the squad requires.
Marco Rose has wasted little time assessing the task ahead after officially taking charge of AFC Bournemouth, with the new head coach already identifying two priority positions in the summer transfer window.
Having met his squad for the first time, Rose spoke openly about the areas he believes require strengthening before the Premier League campaign gets underway. Marco confirmed the club are actively looking to recruit both a centre back and a right full back, signalling that further additions are expected before the transfer deadline.
The need for defensive reinforcements comes as no surprise following the departures of both Marcos Senesi to Tottenham and Alex Jimenez to Fiorentina.
Centre Back Option - Antonio Silva
The Cherries have reportedly identified Benfica central defender Antonio Silva as a potential solution to their search for a new centre back.
Despite his young age, Silva already boasts impressive experience at the highest level. A regular for Benfica and a Portugal international, he has built a reputation as one of Europe's brightest young defenders thanks to his composure on the ball, intelligent positioning and ability to read the game.
Rather than relying purely on physicality, Silva excels at anticipating danger and making timely interceptions. His ability at progressing play from the back with accurate passing also bodes well following Marcos Senesi's departure.
His experience in European competition would be a major asset as the club prepare for their first ever European campaign, and should the Cherries complete a move, Silva would not only provide immediate quality at centre back but also fit the club's long term recruitment model. Signing talented young players with significant room to develop is evidently part of the clubs growing plan and it would represent another ambitious statement from the Cherries.
Credit: BBC Sport.
Right Back Option - Juanlu Sanchez
AFC Bournemouth have made signing a new right back a priority and have been linked with a move for Sevilla right full back Juanlu Sanchez. The Spaniard has emerged as one of La Liga's most exciting young defenders in recent years.
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.
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.
With European football adding to the demands of the upcoming campaign, Juanlu's versatility, athleticism and experience in one of Europe's top leagues could make him an ideal addition. As with Silva, Juanlu also aligns perfectly with the club's recruitment strategy of investing in young players capable of developing into elite level talent.
