Bournemouth news: Opinion – the ‘major transfer conundrum’ facing Cherries

I definitely predict a busy summer transfer window for Bournemouth.

It started early for the Cherries in regards to departures when giants Real Madrid activated Dean Huijsen’s release clause. One mightily impressive season from the young centre-back was enough for Madrid to pay out a £50m fee, so does he now need replacing?

In Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi, Bournemouth have two reliable centre-back options, but with Chris Mepham set to depart, another young centre-half may well be required. I anticipate bids to be made for the promising Nantes defender Nathan Zeze, who has been heavily linked.

Another departure is anticipated imminently, with left-back Milos Kerkez expected to sign for Liverpool.

While Bournemouth did recruit in that position in January by signing Julio Soler, another option will almost certainly be needed. I’d therefore be tempted to see if Real Madrid would allow their back-up left-back Fran Garcia to come to the south coast, having previously worked with Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano.

A major conundrum is in between the sticks for the Cherries…

Last season, Kepa Arrizabalaga was impressive, but he was only on a season-long loan from Chelsea. Meanwhile, Neto was out on loan as cover for Arsenal, Mark Travers had a good loan spell with Middlesbrough and hot prospect Alex Paulsen spent the season with Auckland.

It is difficult to know what route the club will take, but I fully expect them to try to secure the services of Kepa on a permanent basis.

I would imagine both Neto and Travers will leave, and in turn that may allow Alex Paulsen to return as the club’s number two.

It could be a rollercoaster summer!

Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net