Simon Francis will leave AFC Bournemouth this summer, ending a 15-year spell. The former captain turned technical director is set for a move abroad, with Al Hilal among interested clubs. His departure marks the end of an era for the Cherries.
AFC Bournemouth are set to part ways with long-serving figure Simon Francis at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable 15-year association with the club.
"Franno", now 41, is expected to pursue an opportunity overseas, with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal among those credited with an interest in securing his services. While no formal agreement has been signed, his departure from the Vitality Stadium is understood to be imminent.
His connection with Bournemouth dates back to 2011, when he initially joined on loan from Charlton Athletic before making the move permanent the following January. Over the next nine years, Francis became a cornerstone of the side, making 324 appearances and captaining the club during one of the most successful periods in its history.
A key figure under Eddie Howe, Francis played an integral role in Bournemouth’s rise from League One to the Premier League, helping to establish the Cherries in the top flight. His leadership and consistency made him a fan favourite before he retired from professional football in 2020.
Shortly after hanging up his boots, after trying a bit of punditry for Sky Sports, Francis transitioned seamlessly into a role behind the scenes. He returned to the club in 2021 as executive assistant, working closely under then-technical director Richard Hughes. His rapid development within the recruitment structure saw him promoted to first-team technical director in 2024 following Hughes’ move to Liverpool.
Working closely with Thiago Pinto, brought in my Bill Foley to replace Richard Hughes, Franno oversaw a period of strong recruitment and trading. Notably, Bournemouth signed promising defender Dean Huijsen from Juventus before selling him for a significant profit to Real Madrid.
The club also brought in highly rated forward Eli Junior Kroupi, who has impressed in the Premier League, while major outgoing deals - including the record-breaking sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City - highlighted the club’s growing market strength. Other exits for big money included Illia Zabarnyi (PSG), Milos Kerkez (Liverpool), and Dango Ouattara (Brentford).
Under his guidance, Bournemouth achieved their highest-ever Premier League points tally in the 2024–25 season and remain in contention for European qualification this term, sitting in seventh place with just four games remaining.
Francis’ exit follows a period of notable change behind the scenes, with head coach Andoni Iraola also departing in June. The club are already working on identifying a successor to Francis, with a replacement reportedly lined up.
His departure marks the end of an era for Bournemouth - a figure who not only captained the club through its rise but also played a key role in shaping its modern structure off the pitch.