AFC Bournemouth have confirmed Alex Jimenez will miss Saturday’s trip to Fulham while the club investigates social media posts involving the defender. Andoni Iraola said the club must establish "what has really happened" before deciding on any next steps.
AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that defender Alex Jimenez will not travel with the squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Fulham while the club investigates social media posts involving the player.
In a statement released on Friday, Bournemouth said they were "aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jimenez" and stressed that they "understand the seriousness of the matter".
The various screenshots emanated on Thursday evening around 21:30, and were quickly shared on Facebook and X by not only Cherries supporters, but also by those of other teams. With the club fully aware of the situation, they acted fast in providing a statement which has been lauded by the football community.
Bournemouth added: "As a result, Alex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Fulham and the club will be making no further comment at this time."
Head coach Andoni Iraola also addressed the situation briefly when speaking to BBC Radio Solent, indicating that the club are still working to establish the full facts surrounding the issue.
REUTERS/Dylan Martinez "The club has to do their investigations and see what has really happened. We will then move from there," Iraola said.
He ended his statement with a key line, one possibly reveals an uncomfortable reality: "I hope it's not what we think."
The matter comes during what has otherwise been a breakthrough campaign for the 21-year-old Spaniard (it is his birthday today), who has become an increasingly important figure for Bournemouth during a season that could yet end with European qualification.
Jimenez initially arrived on the south coast from AC Milan on loan last summer, before Bournemouth triggered an obligation-to-buy clause earlier this year in a deal reportedly worth around £15 million.
Since making the move to England, Jimenez has made 32 appearances in all competitions and scored once — memorably netting in Bournemouth’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool earlier this season.
Before his move to Bournemouth, Jimenez progressed through the youth ranks at local Spanish sides Talavera and UD Talavera before joining Real Madrid CF’s academy in 2012. His development attracted interest from several major European clubs, and after a spell with Milan, he made his senior debut for the Italian giants in January 2024 during a Coppa Italia victory over Cagliari Calcio.
For now, however, attention remains firmly on Bournemouth’s ongoing investigation, with the club choosing not to provide any further details at this stage.