What Does AFC Bournemouth's Squad Depth Currently Look Like?

Despite having to balance 4 separate competitions in the 2026/27 season, the summer transfer window has been rather quiet from a Bournemouth perspective, with minimal outgoings and only 1 transfer confirmed so far, that being the signing of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche for £21 million.

However, the squad that Marco Rose will be working with as Cherries head over to Austria for the first part of their pre season campaign oozes quality all over the pitch, with several players boasting European experience from their previous clubs.

When addressing the media for the first time as Bournemouth boss on Friday, Rose said that the time that Cherries are spending in Austria, he will take a deep look at each player to then see the areas that need investment. AFCB have games against German sides St Pauli & Augsburg coming up over the course of the next 10 days. 

As things stand, Bournemouth look rather threadbare in the defensive region. The 3 goalkeeping options at the club currently are Djordje Petrovic, Will Dennis & Fraser Forster as 3rd choice. It would seem a huge jump up for Dennis if he goes from being on loan in League One with Leyton Orient to being next in line to play in Europe and Premier League if Petrovic were to pick up an injury, so investment may be made there.

Although Cherries have 3 first team right backs (Smith, Araujo & Aarons), both Araujo & Aarons have been heavily linked with moves away from the club, and with Alex Jimenez going out on loan to Fiorentina, a starting right back will be necessary, with Smith bringing the experience and competition there.

Truffert & Soler are AFCB's options at left back, which looks set in stone as of now. At centre back, on the right side James Hill & Bafode Diakite will both play good minutes next season, and at left centre back, a Senesi replacement is a priority, as Veljko Milosavljevic is the only left sided centre back at the club. Benfica's captain Antonio Silva is a name that looks to be top of that radar.

The midfield is where Bournemouth hold a lot of strength and depth. Tyler Adams & Lewis Cook will rotate in the 6 to ensure both stay fit, with Alex Scott, Ryan Christie & Alex Toth all being versatile players that play best when in the 8. Having these 5 midfield options will allow for frequent rotation within the midfield, with levels of performance not dropping as a result of it.

This strength in depth carries on when looking at Cherries wing options too. Off the right, Rayan, Gannon - Doak & Brooks all have profiles unique to each other and have great technical ability. Off the left, Junior Kroupi, Tavernier, Amine Adli & even Justin Kluivert are all players who are most comfortable on that side of the pitch. Having 7 attackers that can play wide and centrally will make Rose's choice of who to play a tough one.

Leading the line, Evanilson and Alvaro Rodriguez are set to be the 2 that Rose will play in his 4-2-2-2 system, as Enes Unal looks like he will be departing the club in the next month. Kroupi & Rayan often play as a 9 too, with Rayan playing a majority of his football at Vasco De Gama as a striker. 

The 3 areas of investment that look necessary is a backup goalkeeper, right back & left sided centre back, but apart from those positions, Cherries' squad depth is looking in a good spot heading into their most taxing and busy season to date.