When Bournemouth lost to Newcastle at home, hope was beginning to dwindle amongst pundits and neutrals alike. While the Cherries were respected for sticking to their guns and continuing to play their attractive brand of football, their lack of firepower was proving costly. Eddie Howe’s side could not put the ball in the back of the net and were prone to the odd defensive lapse. Not a good mix.
Well, what a difference three games make. The belief never dwindled within the squad, who since went on to grab a thrilling draw against Everton, as well as famous wins over Chelsea and Manchester United. The South Coast outfit are the ultimate under dogs, and they show no signs of backing down.
Of course, it’s still going to be a long slog to retain Premier League status. Still, they are a determined bunch of players who play very good football. The odds are surely in their favour.
Perhaps some January transfer market activity can help solidify their position. Serious injuries to a TRIO of first-teamers have stretched the resources to almost as far as they can go at the Vitality Stadium. While they are making a good go of it, some smart intervention will surely help their cause.
What Bournemouth need is astute reinforcements, not huge names. They can come later should they retain their Premier League status.
With that in mind, here are FIVE ASTUTE signings to keep Bournemouth in the Premier League…
DWIGHT GAYLE
In the absence of Callum Wilson, the club are reportedly turning their attentions to Crystal Palace forward Dwight Gayle as their preferred option up front. While Glen Murray and Josh King offer a more traditional centre-forward role, holding up play, the 25-year old can rejuvenate an attacking front line that has, occasionally, looked bereft of ideas.
He’ll press and harry, run in behind defences and has a poacher’s instinct. Exactly what Bournemouth need heading into the business end of the season.
YOAN GOUFFRAN
Though Junior Stanislas was everywhere, and I mean everywhere, against Manchester United, perhaps the arrival of another incisive winger could help. With Max Gradel only pushing to be back in first-team contention before the end of the season, Newcastle’s Yoan Gouffran has been touted as a potential target this winter.
The 29-year old would be a good fit at the Vitality Stadium. He’s a powerful runner, able to drag his team up the field and is another who can score goals. Able to be deployed as a natural wide option, or even cutting across and supporting the central striker, the Frenchman is versatile and has good experience playing in the Premier League.
MARCO SPORTIELLO
Artur Boruc is a fine shot-stopper, thought the Pole is prone to the odd moment of madness. The enigmatic former Southampton and Celtic custodian has already cost his team with a howler against Watford, though he did play well against Manchester United. A decent ‘keeper, but not be relied upon.
Adam Federici has also dropped the odd clanger here and there, and despite his return to training, has been injured. Neither man between the sticks has truly made the gloves his own yet.
Enter, Marco Sportiello. The Atlanta man is reportedly being eyed up by Eddie Howe in a £6m deal in an effort to shore up his backline this winter. Linked with Liverpool only last season, the 23-year old is a stopper of huge potential.
DEMARAI GRAY
Birmingham’s Demarai Gray was hotly pursued in the summer, though a move to the Vitality never came off. The England under-20 speedster has been hugely impressive at St. Andrews, leading to links to the likes of Southampton and Liverpool.
His arrival would be hugely exciting on the South Coast. Despite only signing a three-year deal in the summer, reports suggest the 19-year old could leave if the side are not in contention for the playoffs by the end of January.
Granted, he’s not the biggest of names, but landing an exciting young English talent will only add to the already sky high spirits on the South Coast.
CURTIS DAVIES
Haha, Curtis Davies, I hear you saying. Yes, Curtis Davies. The Hull man is reportedly a target for the Cherries as they look to add experienced defensive options to their squad.
The former England Under-21 ace has been touted as top target as his contract begins to wind down at the KC Stadium. While he’s not the most glamorous defender in the world, his arrival could help back-up the defence and provide a cool head going into the most crucial part of the season.
He was not at his best as the Tigers suffered relegation, but the 30-year old has a wealth of experience in the top flight and would realistically only be a squad option.
