Who starts at right back for AFC Bournemouth next season? Adam Smith continues to roll back the years, both Max Aarons and Julian Araujo are back from loan spells, but Alex Jimenez looks set to leave. Marco Rose has decisions to make, does he enter the transfer market or trust the options he has?
For all of AFC Bournemouth's quality and strength across the pitch, the right full back position could be the one still raising questions ahead of the new season.
Club stalwart Adam Smith remains a trusted and dependable option, but now in his mid thirties, it's fair to wonder how many more seasons he can continue as a regular starter, particularly with the demands of both Premier League and European football.
A key reason for such speculation in the right back spot is the expected to departure of Alex Jimenez. The Spaniard looked an exciting option during his time on the south coast and many supporters felt he could become Smith's natural successor. But understandably he now looks set to depart the club for Serie A outfit Fiorentina.
A couple of Cherries' potential right back options have returned to the club following loan spells. Max Aarons has returned from Rangers and could be something new head coach Marco Rose has a look at, whilst Julian Araujo is back after also spending time in Scotland, for Rangers' rivals Celtic. Both have something to prove, but whether either is part of Marco Rose's plans remains to be seen.
The club certainly face an intriguing dilemma. Do they back the players already on the books and hope one finally steps up, or do they enter the transfer market in search of a new right back? It may not be the club's biggest priority this summer, but it is certainly one of its biggest unanswered questions.
Adam Smith
Club legend Adam Smith has spent years proving people wrong. Just when it seems age might catch up with the Cherries stalwart, he produces another season of dependable performances and reminds everyone he's still got it.
But with the Cherries preparing for the demands of European football alongside another Premier League campaign, can Smithy realistically remain first choice as regularly? His experience and leadership are invaluable, yet managing his minutes could be key to getting the best from him.
The question isn't whether Smith is good enough, it's simply whether Bournemouth can afford to rely on him quite as heavily as before.
Max Aarons
When the club signed Max Aarons, many expected the former Norwich City star to become the club's long term answer at right back. Instead, injuries and limited opportunities has meant Max has just returned following a season long loan at Rangers.
Now back on the south coast under new head coach Marco Rose, Aarons could effectively have a clean slate. He's still at an age to be able to revive his Bournemouth career, it's whether Marco Rose sees him as genuine contender to compete for that right back spot, or if he is now surplus to requirements.
Credit: Ibrox News.
Julian Araujo
Julian Araujo's AFC Bournemouth career has never really had the chance to take off. With Julian's minutes expected to be few and far between, he went out on loan to Celtic last campaign, where he began to impress before another injury brought his season to a premature end.
Now back at Dean Court, Araujo could find himself in a similar predicament to Max Aarons, with a fresh opportunity potentially presenting itself under new coach Marco Rose. At 24, he still has time on his side and offers an attacking profile that could undoubtedly suit the Cherries' style. Whether Rose views him as a genuine solution at right back remains uncertain, but this summer could finally determine whether Araujo has a future on the south coast, or if it's already time for him to seek a permanent move elsewhere.
