Bournemouth midfielder Christie signs new dealpublished at 13:37 BST 13 June
13:37 BST 13 June
Image source, Reuters
Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie has signed a new contract to extend his stay until the summer of 2029.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a fine season under Andoni Iraola and is with the Scotland side who play Haiti at the World Cup on Sunday (02:00 BST).
Christie said: "It feels brilliant and I'm absolutely delighted. Especially after the way the season finished, it's been such an incredible year for the club having qualified for Europe. I'm looking forward to next season already.
"When I joined the club, I obviously had aspirations to play in the Premier League and I strongly believed we could get promoted but the journey we've been on since then has been incredible."
'Unal has to go' - fans on who they would keep, loan and sellpublished at 12:54 BST 12 June
12:54 BST 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who you would like Bournemouth to keep, loan and sell from the squad this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Ben: I definitely think Bafode Diakite is a fringe player after being phased out of the starting XI, though I'm hoping he will be able to impress the new manager. Sending Veljko Milosavljevic out on loan seems like the most sensible option, given the fact he's still only 18. Then I do think Enes Unal has to go - not the type of striker that will be challenging Evanilson's starting spot and needs to be replaced.
Drew: Keep - probably Amine Adli. Has come up with some big goals and looks like he is trying too hard. He has all the attributes to become big for us. Loan - Julio Soler. Could do with being the main man for a team to develop him. Sell - Unal. He needs to play for someone and I'm not sure he is Premier League level following his injuries - would cook in the Italian leagues.
Cathy: Keep Adrien Truffert definitely. Sell Unal and maybe Matai Akinmboni on loan.
Alex: Keep: aside from the obvious shouts of Eli Junior Kroupi, Alex Scott and Ryan Christie, James Hill is the player we absolutely need to keep - was immense when he came into the starting line-up, and was a huge reason we're on the unbeaten run. Loan: Ben Gannon-Doak needs minutes. There's a player in there who just needs to develop, obviously not helped by his injury. Sell: Romain Faivre has done nothing since we signed him, club obviously doesn't see anything in him, so just get his wages off the books.
Chris: Keep Ben Gannon-Doak. I think he'll be a star in the Scotland team at the World Cup and be a key player next season, especially when first-team players get injured. Loan out Julio Soler. He's a great youngster but Truffert didn't miss a game since coming in and has stamina for days, so Soler is not getting any pitch time. Sell: Bafode Diakate. James Hill being chosen over him after a big-money move shows how far off the Premier League he is, and we have Milosavljevic competing for the right centre-back position. At 25, is he going to go up another gear?
Peter: Keep Kroupi. Loan Unal. Buy Nathan Ake
Keith: Definitely worth keeping Alex Toth. I think we have another gem ready to replace Alex Scott. Sadly, Bafo Diakite didn't impress so a loan period to boost his confidence could be the answer. Love Enes Unal but injuries have meant reduced opportunities, so I think he's likely to be sold.
🎧 Christie guests on Rooney showpublished at 16:00 BST 11 June
16:00 BST 11 June
Bournemouth star Ryan Christie joins the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show to chat about the current Scotland squad, their belief in the team, and which players will have the biggest impact.
Three days out from Scotland's opening game against Haiti - live on the BBC - and the brazen optimism is in full flow.
Two years ago Scotland faced hosts Germany in the tournament opener, a 5-1 defeat that Christie vividly recalls as a "humbling" experience and one he points to when discussing the Group C schedule, which is rounded off with an "iconic" game against Brazil.
"Everybody's at the World Cup on merit, so there are no easy games," the Cherries midfielder said. "I don't think we're expecting that.
"But it gives us the chance to get off to a good start. You probably look at the group and that's the easiest on paper.
"You'd rather face them than Brazil first. I know that from facing Germany at the opening of the last Euros. That was a humbling experience.
"I'm still having nightmares about that. But hopefully we can learn from that experience and start this one a bit better."
'Talk about taking a step backwards' - fans on Senesi exitpublished at 11:31 BST 11 June
11:31 BST 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Marcos Senesi joining fellow Premier League club Tottenham after his contract expires.
Here are some of your comments:
Harry: For me, it sounds like he went for the money, as Spurs don't have a wage cap. I'm annoyed that Spurs could be a top team again but, then again, most of our players who go to 'big clubs' play worse. We just have to replace the ones who leave with good, young players.
Dave: This must be a silly move. Why move from a club in Europe to a team that was nearly relegated?
Paul: Extremely strange decision. Leaving a club playing in Europe to go to a place in freefall, who have deservedly been at the bottom of the table consistently and only escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth two years in a row.
Marty: Unbelievable sums it up for me. Talk of going to all these big clubs and he ends up there. Talk about taking a step backwards.
Malcolm: Sad to see him go, especially after this past season, but wish him good luck at Tottenham. Once again, we need to replace a central defender but I trust our recruitment department and I'm sure the wheels have been in motion for some time.
DA: They should have given Senesi more game time the previous season, probably had his nose put out of joint. Spurs is a backward step. Bournemouth seem to let slip really good players go on frees instead of tying them done to longer contracts! Great season ahead for little old Bournemouth in Europe for the first time ever!
Keith: Senesi, like Antoine Semenyo, showed what a great guy he is. Giving full commitment to the end, even ending the last game with his head bandaged due to brave defending. Feels like a huge loss at present, but let's have faith that our recruitment team find another gem.
Senesi joins Spurs - how do you feel about the defender's exit?published at 17:40 BST 10 June
17:40 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
Marcos Senesi will join fellow Premier League club Tottenham on 1 July, following the expiration of his current contract at Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth said they had offered the defender new terms when announcing their released and retained list for the 2026-27 Premier League season on Wednesday.
BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella previously reported that Senesi, who did not make Argentina's final World Cup squad, was closing in on a move to Spurs on a free transfer.
It comes after Bournemouth stepped back on efforts to retain the valuable centre-back, who made 128 appearances over a four-year spell on the south coast, after he turned down a third contract offer in December.
How do you feel about another summer with an important player heading for the exit door, despite the Cherries playing in Europe next season?
Cherries retain continuitypublished at 11:28 BST 10 June
11:28 BST 10 June
Bournemouth have announced their retained list for the 2026-27 Premier League season, with no major surprises and a healthy dose of continuity on offer.
The club says it has offered terms to goalkeeper Fraser Forster and defender Marcos Senesi, who is expected to depart.
Beyond those doubts and potential exits, the first-team squad will remain in place.
The club said: "The Cherries have exercised options and retained the majority of the club's first-team squad ahead of the new campaign, including a number of senior internationals and emerging young talents."
"The one thing about Matt above all else, aside from being a wonderfully talented football player, he's an amazing guy," Partington said.
"He's a real contributor to that Cherries side, on and off the pitch. Often people don't see what professional footballers are doing away from football.
"He's been really studying for something like this, he's close friends with Francis as well, so I'm sure there will have been a lot of conversation between the two of them.
"In the later stage of someone's career you do start to piece together what they may have learned. What traits may allow you to be successful. I'm hoping he's going to be successful. I know he's put a lot into being prepared for this, but I think it's a good move."
The Bournemouth players at the World Cuppublished at 07:34 BST 9 June
07:34 BST 9 June
The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Cherries selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.
The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.
Bournemouth's World Cup contingent:
Tyler Adams (United States)
Ryan Christie (Scotland)
Ben Gannon-Doak (Scotland)
Justin Kluivert (Netherlands)
Alex Paulsen (New Zealand)
Rayan (Brazil)
Image caption,
The above graphic is based on the 2025-26 Premier League clubs and squad lists
Bournemouth appoint Ritchie as technical directorpublished at 14:16 BST 8 June
14:16 BST 8 June
Jordan Clark and Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth have appointed former player Matt Ritchie as technical director to replace Simon Francis.
The 36-year-old joins after an agreement was reached with Reading to bring him back to the south coast, following Francis's expected departure to Saudi Arabia.
It was considered important for the Cherries to have a former player working alongside experienced sporting director Tiago Pinto, helping the club remain close to its players and maintain an understanding of its values.
His responsibilities will include recruitment, player pathways, squad planning and overall football strategy.
Ritchie made 142 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring 31 goals. He has also been part of Champions League squads at other clubs and has represented Scotland at international level.
Meanwhile, Pinto has a pre-existing relationship with Ritchie, who has been working towards his coaching A Licence in the club's academy.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk on the appointment, the club's president of football operations Tiago Pinto shared his delight: "Matt's connection with AFC Bournemouth, combined with his experience throughout the game, makes him an excellent addition to the technical team and someone I'm looking forward to working with closely.
"As we continue to grow as a club, it is important that we maintain the DNA, values and identity that have brought us success. Matt will play an important role in helping us do that while also driving the club forward."
Ritchie also commented: "AFC Bournemouth has always meant a huge amount to me, so to return in this capacity is incredibly special.
"I've spent a long time preparing for what's next for me after playing, learning from experienced people across the game and developing my understanding of the technical and strategic side of football. Now I've met Marco, I'm even more excited about what is to come and look forward to working together.
"It's a fantastic opportunity and can't wait to begin working with the staff, players and ownership group as we continue building for the future. I'd like to emphasise my thanks to Bill [Foley], Ryan [Caswell] and Tiago [Pinto] for the opportunity and belief they've shown in me."
Physical striker and replacement for Senesi - fans on changes this summerpublished at 16:46 BST 5 June
16:46 BST 5 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Bournemouth before the new campaign and why.
Here are some of your comments:
Terry: Season tickets - not everyone has mobile phones for digital tickets. I love Evanilson but we need someone to get 15-20 a season as a striker. Maybe under Rose, he will.
Paul: We don't want to lose any of our best players this summer and we need to increase the number of players in our squad to cope with playing in Europe.
Don: Sell Enes Unal and buy a big physical striker - Mateta style - in his place.
Chris: A new centre-back to replace Senesi, potentially some more full-back cover. Up front it would be good to get another striker to replace Unal and a back-up keeper. But most of all retain our key three - Scott, Kroupi and Rayan.
Marty: Stop selling players and start signing some that can play immediately.
PFA player of the year shortlist announcedpublished at 11:45 BST 5 June
11:45 BST 5 June
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya have been nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association men's player of the year award alongside Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.
Midfielder Rice, defender Gabriel and goalkeeper Raya were all key players as Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Striker Haaland netted 27 goals to end as the division's leading scorer, while Cherki enjoyed a successful first season in the Premier League.
Fernandes won the Football Writers' Association's men's footballer of the year award for the 2025-26 campaign.
The winners will be honoured on Tuesday, 25 August at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester.
Cherki has also been nominated for the PFA young player of the year award, alongside City team-mate and England international Nico O'Reilly, who was named as the Premier League's young player of the season last week.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, another England international, is also among the nominees after playing a key role in Michael Carrick's side.
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi is another on the shortlist after he scored 13 goals in 33 matches in his debut Premier League campaign.
Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha, who have represented England at under-19 level, complete the list of nominees thanks to their performances for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.
With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.
Which clubs have the most players?
Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).
Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.
The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.
Rose ready for 'beautiful opportunity' with Bournemouthpublished at 18:01 BST 4 June
18:01 BST 4 June
Image source, Getty Images
New Bournemouth boss Marco Rose says he is looking forward to testing himself against the best teams in the world and believes the Cherries have a "beautiful opportunity" to showcase themselves on the European stage next season.
Speaking to the club's YouTube channel, it is Rose's first interview since being announced as Bournemouth boss in April, following Andoni Iraola's exit after a three-year spell at the Vitality Stadium.
"First of all, I want to say congratulations to everyone that is involved or connected with the club," he said. "It was an amazing, outstanding, special, incredible, historic season with a historic outcome.
"Everyone here did a great job - the employees, the lads, the staff, the fans of course, and now I'm looking forward to working together and to accomplish next season maybe other big things."
This will be Rose's first job in English football, with all his previous experience coming in Germany and Austria.
The German coach spoke highly of the English top-flight, saying: "The Premier League is the best league in the world. That's what I've heard, that's what I've seen and that's what I feel. So for me, it's really special to come here to join the Premier League with a top team and the Premier League is the most competitive league.
"The Premier League is the league with the highest individual quality, with the highest intensity, and I'm really looking forward to measure [myself] with the best teams in the world."
One of the main tasks on Rose's agenda this summer will be getting his side in the best shape possible to prepare for a season of balancing domestic football with European competition for the first time in the club's history.
On prospect of this, the new head coach said: "That's our challenge - to play Premier League, the toughest competition in the world, and European football. If you have to bring it together, it's really hard and really tough. We have to be smart.
"It's an exciting journey and I think it's a really big and beautiful opportunity for us to show our club, to show Bournemouth in Europe, but on the other side, it's a tough challenge."
A 'big hole to fill' if Elphick and Cooper leavepublished at 14:45 BST 4 June
14:45 BST 4 June
Media caption,
Former Bournemouth midfielder and development team coach Mark Moseley believes it would be a "huge blow" if Andoni Iraola takes assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper with him to Liverpool.
Both coaches have played a key role in the Cherries' progress in recent times, with the club achieving their best-ever top-flight finish this season and will play Europa League football next term.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Moseley said: "It would be a huge blow for Bournemouth. Iraola is the front of it all, but there's so many good people behind it.
"I know Tommy and Coops well and what fantastic characters they are, but also what fantastic coaches they are. They've had a very, very big impact in the success at Bournemouth and I would think that Iraola would want to keep that together. They're trusted members, have proved themselves time and time again this season and what valuable roles they have.
"If they do go, and it's all speculation at the moment, what I can say is the way Bournemouth have recruited, look at some of the players that have left this football club this year and the show has managed to go on due to their due diligence. They're always a step ahead and ready for this sort of thing.
"A new manager is coming in, he'll have his ideas and everything has been working very well, so you'd like to think he'd like to have some continuity and try and refine and enhance, or make his own twist on it. But you don't want too many changes. If Iraola does take his trusted staff with him, there will be a big hole to fill."
Listen to the full interview by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds
Cherries to appeal academy decisionpublished at 11:26 BST 3 June
11:26 BST 3 June
Jordan Clark BBC Radio Solent
Image source, Getty Images
AFC Bournemouth are in the process of appealing after its academy failed to achieve Category One status.
An independent audit of the club's facilities was carried out by the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) earlier this year.
Category One is the highest status awarded to a club within the professional game under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
The EPPP is a long-term youth development strategy that was introduced in 2012 as a result of a consultation between the Premier League, the FA and the EFL.
Bournemouth were awarded Category Two status in 2023 and submitted an application for a change in categorisation last year.
BBC Radio Solent understands Bournemouth's application was rejected due to an issue with the number of pitches at its new state-of-the-art Performance Centre.
The Cherries opened the £32m training facility at Canford Magna in April 2025.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent at the launch event in April 2025, project manager Darren Booth said: "There's another six academy pitches to be done. That's all part of the next phase that the club will need to look at and appoint someone else to do."
Amongst the benefits of Category One status are access to more funding and a place in the elite Premier League 2 academy competition.
How significant might Cooper and Elphick exits be?published at 11:09 BST 3 June
11:09 BST 3 June
Media caption,
Former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington says assistant coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper will be "sorely missed", if they follow Andoni Iraola out of the Vitality Stadium doors this summer.
Iraola, who left the Cherries at the end of the season, has already reached a verbal agreement to become Liverpool's next head coach following the sacking of Arne Slot.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Partington said: "Losing Andoni Iraola is obviously enormous enough, but when you add in Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper - and the great work they have done over the past few years - it is going to be a big hit for Bournemouth.
"Those two guys know the club inside out. They were part of completely different eras at the club as players. The influence the pair of them have on the team is enormous.
"I don't think either of them really knew what was going on at the end of the season. I'm sure their futures were as up in the air as Andoni Iraola's.
"What they achieved this year, as coaches, was probably beyond their wildest dreams when they started working at the club.
"Shaun Cooper was fast-tracked within the academy quite quickly because people were impressed with him as soon as he started coaching. He was actually someone I leaned on for advice when I first started my career. He was the guy I wanted to play like and be like, so I went out of my way to get advice from him.
"Tommy Elphick then joined the club and essentially became the spearhead for the success that it had going from League One to the Premier League. He has played that leader role since the day he arrived, even leading the team huddles before kick-off.
"The pair of them will be sorely missed, but I can see the pull of having an impact on one of the world's biggest clubs in Liverpool. I would say it is too big of an opportunity to turn down for them."
Image source, Reuters
