Injuries and departures are forcing urgent action
After a worrying summer in which several key players left, this January window already feels decisive for AFC Bournemouth. The loss of four regular defenders from last season has started to show, and results have suffered as the campaign has progressed. To make matters worse, influential midfielder Tyler Adams has joined Ben Gannon-Doak and Veljko Milosavljevic on the long term injury list, which increases the need for new signings if the club want to stay out of a relegation scrap.
Bournemouth also look set to lose their standout attacker Antoine Semenyo. A number of clubs are prepared to trigger his £65m release clause, but it must be activated by January 10. With that in mind, the squad needs more depth, experience and quality to support the head coach. Replacing Semenyo will be difficult, yet the club will have to try to fill the gap if he departs.
Key needs include a goalkeeper, a centre back and midfield cover
Another clear issue is in goal. Bournemouth have only one senior goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic. While he has experience from time in Scotland, the current backup Will Dennis has yet to play a Football League match, let alone appear in the Premier League, so extra competition in that position is seen as important.
At centre back, reinforcements also look essential. The Cherries lost two top defenders in Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi in the summer, and a new central defender is viewed as vital to reduce the number of goals conceded. With Adams sidelined for a long stretch, adding another physical presence in midfield could also be a smart move to restore balance.
This January window could shape whether Bournemouth can climb back up the table or end up looking nervously over their shoulder in the weeks ahead.
