What Is The Future For Bournemouth Striker Daniel Jebbison?

Daniel Jebbison finds himself at something of a crossroads in his Bournemouth career, with questions increasingly being asked about where his future lies. Despite continuing to receive regular international call ups from Canada, opportunities at club level have been virtually non existent. The striker hasn't featured in a Cherries match day squad since the start of October, while his international involvement has hardly offered much encouragement either, managing less than ten minutes in Canada's most recent outing against Guatemala. At 23, Jebbison needs regular football to continue developing, but with competition for places at Bournemouth fierce, he appears some way down the pecking order. His opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce despite the Cherries busy scheule, so could a change of scenery be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track? Whether that be a January loan move or permanent move away from the south coast.

There is no doubt that continuing to receive regular call ups for Canada is a positive sign for Jebbison, but his role within the national squad suggests he still has plenty of ground to make up. With the likes of Tani Oluwaseyi of Villarreal and Athletico Madrid forward Jonathan David (on loan from Juventus) firmly ahead of him in the pecking order, Jebbison is currently having to settle for a bit part role, as highlighted by his limited involvement against Guatemala most recently. While simply being around the international set up will benefit his development, he needs to be playing regular football to have any realistic chance of challenging for a more prominent role. That raises the question of whether a loan move away from Bournemouth could be the best option. Regular minutes elsewhere would not only help him develop but could also strengthen his case for earning more meaningful opportunities with Canada.

Jebbison's situation at Bournemouth is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, with the striker seemingly slipping further down the pecking order as the season progresses.

Having not featured in a first team matchday squad since the start of October, his involvement has largely been restricted to development squad football, offering little opportunity to demonstrate what he can bring at senior level. The competition for attacking places is certainly tough, with Evanilson, Junior Kroupi and Alvaro Rodriguez all seemingly ahead of him in the striker hierarchy. While there is nothing wrong with having to fight for a place, Jebbison needs regular first team minutes at this stage of his career, rather than spending weekends on the sidelines or playing below the level he ultimately wants to reach. There have been links with a potential departure previously, and January could present an opportunity for all parties to reassess the situation. Whether that comes in the form of a loan move to gain valuable experience or a permanent transfer elsewhere, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see how Jebbison gets the game time he needs at Vitality Stadium, despite some encouraging signs during pre season.