Bournemouth

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport senior journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth can be relatively pleased with their January transfer window, in the context that it was a month in which they lost their star player in Antoine Semenyo.

While it may irk some Cherries fans to be reminded of their place in the food chain of English football (and these days, world football), they are not at the stage where they can be considered a "final destination" for elite players.

However, compared to 20 to 30 years ago, their best players are no longer being picked off for below market rates, simply to pay a tax bill or otherwise keep the club in existence.

Succession planning is a large part of any club recruitment team's job and Brazilian teenager Rayan's cameo appearance in Saturday's win at Wolves is already encouraging fans of his potential as Semenyo's long-term successor.

Such planning will now extend to the summer. With Marcos Senesi's contract winding down, and every indication that the Argentina defender will look to exploit free agency and move on, a left-footed central defender would appear to be high on the shopping list.

While the new Squad Cost Ratio regulations favour the bigger clubs – it was no surprise that the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford voted against their introduction – and mean that another big sale or two cannot be ruled out, it will be hoped that the Cherries are not facing the sort of (admittedly high-priced) multiple departures they suffered in the summer of 2025.

With a crucial planning application to expand Vitality Stadium for next season now under scrutiny by the local council, 2026 could also be an important year of off-field progress.

Sam Davis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

After a poor run of results at the end of 2025, January saw Bournemouth improve on their form with some statement wins against Liverpool and Spurs, plus a hard-fought victory at Wolves - a result which has put them just three points off seventh place.

In seasons gone by, it has felt like our transfer activity has often been dictated by recent results.

This time last year, the Cherries had an injury crisis, yet some stunning results seemed to entice us into being very frugal in the market.

This time around, we've had a similar pattern of results and garnering 10 points out of 15 might have taken the pressure off somewhat. However, the need to replace Semenyo was always one of the most urgent requirements and via the acquisition of Rayan Vitor from Vasco Da Gama, we definitely have done that.

Early signs are good, with his pace, power and unpredictability being very much a nod to Antoine.

Elsewhere, Hungarian star Alex Tóth has made an impact already in a couple of showings for the Cherries, where he has looked like an assured midfielder with plenty of energy and character.

Plus, the loan signing of Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas from Lazio (as well as a short-term deal for Fraser Forster) provides Iraola with some goalkeeper cover, and this has already paid dividends with Djordje Petrovic upping his levels since their arrivals.

Overall, our business has been solid and purposeful.

What bodes well for us this time around is that the new signings are ready to play and are of significant quality, as opposed to last season when players were either loaned straight back, or were fringe players at best.

With a noticeable pragmatism in our pressing style recently, Iraola seems to be all too aware of the dreaded second half of the season drop-off, so maybe this managing of intensity, twinned with having "oven-ready" signings as well as players returning from injury, can help keep this squad at an optimal level - and who knows what we might achieve.

Find more from Sam Davis at Back of the Net, external

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth were satisfied to sit back on transfer deadline day and watch their Premier League rivals compete for the remaining seven deals.

The Cherries completed four signings; teenage forward Rayan for an initial £24.7m on a five-and-a-half-year contract with a further £5.6m in potential add-ons, midfielder Alex Toth from Ferencvaros for £10.4m, plus goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Christos Mandas, the latter joining on loan from Lazio.

In addition, Bournemouth's versatile right-sided option Alex Jimenez is one appearance away from triggering a £16.4m obligation to buy in his initial loan agreement from AC Milan, with a further £4.3m potentially due in difficult-to-reach add-ons.

Bournemouth were forced to spend after suffering an injury crisis, following a turbulent summer in which three of their first-choice defenders - Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez - left to join Champions League clubs.

The investment of about £390m across two and a half seasons, offset in part by player sales, is designed to demonstrate the club's ambition to compete.

It also comes as the Cherries continue their prolonged efforts to secure a contract extension for manager Andoni Iraola, who has attracted interest from elsewhere, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

It remains unclear if Iraola will sign, with his future potentially going to remain in the air throughout the current campaign.

Bournemouth were considered in a relegation battle in early January when on an 11-game winless run but their form has since improved, leaving them currently 12th in the Premier League and three points off the teams in seventh and eighth places - which would likely see one team qualify for Europe.

Watch back BBC Radio Solent's transfer deadline day show which covered all the breaking news and talking points from Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth.

Jono Holmes talks you though all the action as it unfolded, as well as views from expert commentators, pundits and fans.

There was even some special guests from each club that joined the show...

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi has scored eight goals from an expected goals [xG] of just 3.7 in the Premier League so far this season - only Harry Kane of Bayern Munich is overperforming his xG by more in Europe's top five leagues.

While 32-year-old Kane has consistently overperformed his xG long enough for us to know he's a great finisher, we can't yet say the same for 19-year-old Kroupi. Is he a great finisher too or simply enjoying a fantastic hot streak? Time will tell...

Four of the six hottest finishers in Europe's top five leagues so far this season are in the Premier League (Kroupi, Antoine Semenyo, Harry Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes) - with the others being Kane and Vedat Muriqi, who is currently second in La Liga's scoring charts.

Bournemouth have done the following business on deadline day:

• Cherries goalkeeper Will Dennis has joined Leyton Orient on loan until the end of the season. It will be the 25-year-old's sixth spell spent out on loan from Bournemouth.

This is your Bournemouth page. Hit follow if you're on the website and you'll see more Cherries content when you visit us. On the app? Hit the bell icon and select news alerts. We'll then send you the best bits.

Follow the transfer deadline day live text

Watch Total Sport's transfer deadline day special discussing the business done by Bournemouth and the regions EFL sides.

The show, which runs from 18:00-20:00 GMT, will offer the latest updates and analysis.

Watch it here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth are widely expected to have concluded their winter business after signing four players - more than any other Premier League club so far.

Their final potential deal had been an initial loan move for Inter Milan defender Luis Henrique, but it was dependent on the Italian club bringing in reinforcements who have not arrived at the San Siro.

As a result, the Cherries are not actively pursuing further signings, though they remain open to doing business should an opportunity arise.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Adam: Would love a bit more cover at centre-back. We're always a couple of injuries away from disaster.

Don: We need to concentrate on our defence. We do not have enough reserve in case of injury, and Senesi will surely be leaving in the summer. Only player I would let go is Unal. The newcomers look great.

Peter: Bournemouth could sign a centre-back if the right player is available. Senesi is leaving at the end of June so we could have the chance to bed in another defender.

Howard: So happy with all the business done in January. New addition Rayan looks like some player. At Bournemouth, almost every signing becomes a great player!

Bob: We need a sergeant-major in the centre of defence and a big bully, not a another lightweight attacker.

Northern Cherry: Need additions at the back. Mainly right-back and possibly another centre-back

Ask us questions about Bournemouth and we'll put them to our experts

Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.

The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.

It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

Get alerts and keep up to date with all the latest news, insight and fan views for your club

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Bournemouth

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Bryce: Fosun has managed to assemble a Championship-level squad with Premier League money a year too early. Utter shambles. It's not the players fault. Most are playing a league higher than they should be- and those with the quality have been AWOL too often. You aren't bottom because you're unlucky - not by the distance we are.

George: Wolves had more chances, but scored no goals; Bournemouth had fewer chances, but got two goals. Just not good enough.

Frank: Wolves' basics are there. We will get relegated but we must fight until it's a mathematical certainty. We have the manager and players working in harmony to virtually guarantee promotion from a notoriously difficult league to get promotion from. We MUST hang on to the manager and playing staff. Without that, I can only foresee Wolves in the wilderness.

Glyn: Just when I thought we were beginning to turn the corner to some degree and could have possible got three points against a depleted Bournemouth team. Awful is only way I can describe it. The first goal came from a woeful pass on the edge of the 18-yard box - and couple this with a host of missed opportunities in front of goal, most of which my 10-year-old grandson could have put away. I feel we have descended to a new performance level after what has been an encouraging run of late. I can't wait for this nightmare to end!

Bournemouth fans

Dave: What a relief! Such exciting football. Well done, Cherries! We are on our way again. We've got a squad full of top-flight players and the greatest manager. Up the Cherries!

Malcolm: A workman-like performance against a decent Wolves team. Rayan looked so composed coming on as sub - have we unearthed another gem? Super strike from Kroupi, who I predict to be our top goal scorer this season.

Clive: Kroupi not even mentioned as a youngster to follow at the beginning of the season - what a stunning strike! Clawing our way up the table. One more signing, and return of the injured, and the possibilities are endless!

Matt: A long journey up to watch the match was rewarded with a battling performance to get the win. Kroupi is a real gem. Some great saves from Petrovic and good to see Rayan - the Beast from Brazil - getting his debut and creating the second.

It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 GMT.

How would you assess Bournemouth's window? Do you think any position needs more attention? If so, give us names of who should be brought in. And what about who needs to go?

Get in touch with your views here

Pundits Shay Given and Steph Houghton join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 1-1 Everton

• Leeds 0-4 Arsenal

• Chelsea 3-2 West Ham

Alex Scott has been speaking to Final Score after Bournemouth's 2-0 win at Wolves.

Watch Final Score on BBC iPlayer here

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola speaking to BBC Match Of The Day: "I think it is a very important and good win from our side. It is always difficult to win away but we feel like the game has been level.

"There were moments when they have been pushing a lot and you could see the 1-1 coming but we suffered well and recovered well."

On Junior Kroupi's goal: "We can put him in that position around the box, he can score goals. I think now we will change the way we are playing around him. He gives us the quality on the ball which is always important. When you are 19 with eight goals it is incredible because he doesn't start every game. He is giving us the work-rate so we keep him in the pitch."

On new signing Rayan: "I think it was the perfect signing for him. He was very open and pushing a lot. He has good energy and his training has improved in the level."

On having a young team: "We are very young and we have made some mistakes but that is what you have to make and they are performing really well. They are gaining experience and composure. With the addition of these players we are becoming better."

Hear more from Iraola on BBC Sounds

Listen to reaction and analysis on BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast

Did you know?

• Bournemouth have won successive Premier League games for just the second time this season.

• Junior Kroupi has scored eight Premier League goals this season – the second most by a French teenager across a single campaign in the competition, behind only Nicolas Anelka in 1998-99 (13 goals).

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

After ending their 11-match winless Premier League run against Tottenham earlier this month, Bournemouth appear to be finding form again.

While there was not much to separate the teams early on at Molineux, the visitors looked far more dangerous once Eli Junior Kroupi had thumped them ahead with his eighth league goal of the campaign.

The 19-year-old's strike - coming after Alex Scott had intercepted a stray pass inside the Wolves half - made him the joint highest-scoring teenager in Europe's top five leagues this term, level with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

Amine Adli could have doubled the Cherries' lead before the interval, but after running on to Kroupi's through ball he was unable to steer his shot past Jose Sa from a tight angle.

The Wolves goalkeeper was forced into action again within seconds of the restart, parrying Alex Jimenez's goal-bound strike out of harm's way after a marauding run from the 20-year-old.

However, Bournemouth's failure to double their advantage left the door open for Wolves to snatch an equaliser - which they nearly did when Joao Gomes nodded against the woodwork late on.

It was not until Scott netted in the first minute of second-half stoppage time that Andoni Iraola - who was taking charge of his 100th Premier League game as Bournemouth boss - could truly celebrate a third win in four top-flight games.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Wolves' performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back on Sunday for a selection of your replies

Jorgen Strand Larsen is named on the bench once again as Rob Edwards makes three changes to the Wolves team that started last weekend's defeat at Manchester City.

Rodrigo Gomes, Emmanuel Agbadou and Tolu Arokodare come in, replacing Jackson Tchatchoua, Jhon Arias and Ladislav Krejci, who misses out through injury.

Wolves XI: Sa, Mosquera, S Bueno, Agbadou, R Gomes, J Gomes, Andre, H Bueno, Mane, Hwang, Arokodare

Subs: Johnstone, Doherty, Moller Wolfe, Strand Larsen, Arias, Lima, Bellegarde, Tchatchoua, Abbey

Andoni Iraola keeps faith with the Bournemouth side that started last weekend's last-gasp victory at home to Liverpool.

January signings Rayan and Alex Toth are among the Cherries' substitutes.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert, Scott, Cook, Jimenez, Kroupi, Adli, Evanilson

Subs: Mandas, Christie, Diakite, Unal, Toth, Rayan, Milosavljevic, Rees-Dottin, DaCosta

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Bournemouth

• Chelsea v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Liverpool v Newcastle (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v West Ham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Wolves did not crumble after conceding an early goal at Manchester City last week but they never really looked like getting back into the game.

They are just playing for pride now, which is a terrible position to be in for any footballer, but at least they are showing a bit of fight despite basically being relegated already.

Bournemouth got that great late win over Liverpool last time out, but their away form is a concern - they have only won once all season, and that was in August.

Out of 11 teams to come to Molineux in the Premier League so far this season, eight have won and only one - West Ham - have lost.

I can see the points being shared this time because I always think the Cherries will score, but they usually concede too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Even the most optimistic of Wolverhampton Wanderers fans would be hard pushed to make a case for their club's Premier League survival as they welcome Bournemouth to Molineux on Saturday.

Rooted to the bottom of the table since early September, Wolves' five-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an unsurprising end against Manchester City last week, meaning they find themselves 18 points shy of safety, with just one win all season.

New Mane in town

Clearly it is too soon to ask teenager Mateus Mane to fill the boots of summer departure Matheus Cunha, but two goals in his first six career starts mark a promising breakthrough for the 18-year-old, who is also – worryingly – the club's joint top league scorer.

Wolves have netted a paltry 15 league goals all season, the fewest in the competition by some margin. They've also shipped 43, flitting between two goalkeepers in Sam Johnstone and current first-choice Jose Sa, who has been linked with a move to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Wolves are particularly susceptible to conceding goals from outside the box, recording a league-high nine.

The appointment of their former defender Rob Edwards as head coach in November has led to some improvement, though. Between May and December, Wolves conceded in all 11 of their league home games, conceding 26 goals in total. They've since kept a clean sheet in their last two at Molineux.

Ton up for Iraola

Injury-hit Bournemouth are looking to continue their recent resurgence in what will be head coach Andoni Iraola's 100th Premier League match in charge of the Cherries.

Ahead of that landmark, the Spaniard's win percentage of 35.4% ranks as comfortably the best among the club's four top-flight bosses.

Iraola admitted his side's stoppage-time winner against Liverpool last week is "probably the best goal to score". It secured a second victory in three league games - as many as they had won in their previous 16 matches - as they adjust to life without Antoine Semenyo.

To that end, this week they have signed Brazil under-20 forward Rayan from Vasco da Gama in a deal worth an initial £24.7m, while Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas has made a loan switch from Lazio.

Amine Adli's scrappy clincher against Liverpool came from a long throw, but Iraola's men will be wary of such weapons. They have conceded a league-high 17 goals from set pieces, excluding penalties.

The Dorset club sit 13th in the table and could be higher but for an uninspiring away record. They've no wins in their last nine games away from the Vitality Stadium, with the Cherries' sole victory on the road this season coming at Spurs back in August.

That run means Bournemouth – who are currently without eight first-team players – have picked up 73% of their points this season at home; only Leeds United (76%) have a higher proportion.