Andoni Iraola – CaughtOffside

Bournemouth boss Iraola addresses Solanke absence amid Tottenham rumours

CJ — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 11:25:39 +0000

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has addressed the absence of Dominic Solanke during their pre-season friendly clash with Rayo Vallecano.

The Cherries beat their Spanish opponents 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday thanks to a first-half strike from Luis Sinisterra, who recently made his loan move from Leeds United permanent.

However, Solanke missed Sunday’s clash, with his absence coming amid intense speculation that he could make a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur off the back of a 21-goal 20232/4 campaign, which included 19 strikes in the Premier League.

However, Iraola has poured cold water on any fears that Solanke missed the game due to an imminent transfer, revealing he merely picked up a foot injury in training but should be back to face Girona on Saturday.

“Someone stamped on his (Solanke’s) foot yesterday and we are not going to risk him in a pre-season friendly, and I hope he is going to play in the next game against Girona,” Iraola told Sky Sports News.

“[It’s] nothing big [Solanke’s injury], just that he couldn’t put the boot on, and we decided obviously to [not risk him]. Even with other players, I hope they can play against Girona and we can see them. They are really close, they had some small issues, like Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook.

“With so many players and so many games it doesn’t make sense to take any risks and we decided like this.”

Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, looks on prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brentford FC at Vitality Stadium on May 11, 2024 in Bournemouth, England.

Asked about the perception of Solanke missing the match amid the transfer rumours, Iraola responded: “It’s not in my control. I tell you what has happened and I’ve seen it happen. It’s the reality.

“It’ll probably make it bigger, but the truth is Dom came today and we decided it doesn’t make any sense to risk him in a friendly but it’s not a big injury, I’m not worried because he will be fine in three of four days.”

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Exclusive: Arsenal baulk at Gyokeres fee; brilliant new £65m-rated striker already identified

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 04:28:46 +0000

Arsenal have long been linked with Sporting’s Swedish striker, Viktor Gyokeres, and it was thought that the North Londoners might be getting closer to his signature.

However, well placed CaughtOffside sources understand that the Gunners have baulked at the figure that the Portuguese giants want for their player.

It isn’t just the size of the transfer fee that has appeared to scare Arsenal off, but the commission that his agents want, the player’s own demands etc.

Arsenal moving away from Gyokeres deal

Whilst a deal isn’t completely dead in the water, it does appear very unlikely to happen at this stage.

With that in mind, Arsenal have turned their attention to trying to sign Bournemouth’s brilliant front man, Dominic Solanke.

The centre-forward, who plundered 20 goals and provided three assists last season, per WhoScored, is also wanted by North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, and the player’s former club, Liverpool.

Dominic Solanke is a target for Arsenal, who have baulked at the fee for Viktor Gyokeres

At 26 years of age, Solanke is coming into what is generally felt to be a player’s prime years as a footballer, and with a reported fee of just £65m could represent a bargain to whichever team happens to land him.

Not that Andoni Iraola would make it easy for Solanke to leave the Cherries, particularly when you consider he’s been the fulcrum for them over the past couple of seasons.

Indeed, CaughtOffside sources understand that Bournemouth’s directors have said in a meeting with the player’s agents that they are not willing to sell him in the current transfer window.

However, they clearly haven’t factored in that Solanke’s latest deal, signed at the start of the 2023/24 season, contains a £65m release clause that can only be met by certain clubs – namely the Premier League’s ‘Big Six.’

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Solanke himself is believed to be open to leaving the South Coast outfit if he receives a good contractual offer.

Ultimately, if any talks prove unsuccessful, both Tottenham and Arsenal could return to the race to sign Lille’s Canadian striker Jonathan David.

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£65m reason why Chelsea won’t sign brilliant 21-goal striker this summer

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:11:08 +0000

Only Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle outscored Chelsea last season.

The Blues’ Cole Palmer led the way with 25 goals per BBC Sport, with Nicolas Jackson weighing in with 17. Thereafter the goals were spread eight across the squad.

It’s evident that with a target man in situ the West Londoners could really propel themselves up the Premier League in 2024/25.

Chelsea not signing Solanke

A mobile No.9 that also thrives on service has to be a priority for Enzo Maresca and Todd Boehly, however, former Chelsea man, Dominic Solanke, won’t be that man.

Solanke, 26, scored 21 goals and provided three assists last season according to WhoScored, and has shown himself to be a willing runner for Bournemouth, and someone who works hard throughout a game.

He’ll help create chances for the team and for himself rather than expecting to be consistently fed whilst meandering up front and staying out of harms way.

Dominic Solanke is unlikely to be signed by Chelsea

Football Insider are reporting that sources have said that Solanke’s sale price of £65m is too ‘prohibitive.’

On the face of it, that’s an odd statement to be making, given that the Blues have spent a huge amount on players over the past couple of seasons.

Perhaps the very real threat of being docked points because of Financial Fair Play is now having to be taken much more seriously than before.

Of course, Chelsea are well within their rights not to be held to ransom by clubs just because it’s believed that they have the money, though it would be hard to argue against the £65m that Bournemouth want for Solanke not being market value.

One of the form strikers in the English top-flight last season, he proved on multiple occasions that he has what it takes to make a team stronger.

Unless Todd Boehly has bigger fish to fry, not moving for Solanke doesn’t make an awful lot of sense at this point.

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Bournemouth star sidelined again after back surgery, Iraola admits international duty made injury worse

CJ — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 10:00:20 +0000

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has revealed Tyler Adams will miss the start of the new Premier League season after undergoing back surgery.

Adams joined the Cherries from Leeds United last summer in a deal worth over £20m (per BBC Sport) but has been beset by injury troubles.

The United States international was restricted to four appearances across all competitions, notching up just 118 minutes of Premier League action.

However, that didn’t stop Adams from being called into the US squad for this summer’s Copa America, with the 25-year-old playing all three group matches to the tune of 180 minutes — as well as 14 minutes in a pre-tournament friendly against Brazil.

The Stars and Stripes suffered a shock group stage exit from the tournament with back-to-back defeats to Panama (2-1) and Uruguay (1-0) after they beat Bolivia 2-0 in their opening match.

But by then, the damage was already done, with Iraola admitting Adams’ desperation to play at Copa America only serving to aggravate a back injury he picked up toward the end of the domestic season.

Tyler Adams of United States controls the ball during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Bolivia at AT&T Stadium on June 23, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

“He finished the season with an injury in his back,” said the Spanish coach.

“He wanted to play Copa America because it was very important for him, but he had restrictions and was still in pain, so two days after they were knocked out, he had surgery.

“He is out for some time. It is difficult to say how long but he won’t be fit for the start of the season. But September? October? I don’t know.”

Pushed further on the issue of why Adams was called up in the first place, Iraola insisted the club had no say in the matter.

He added: “It was not our choice. It is a decision for the nations, who are allowed to select players, and he wanted to play thinking the injury would get better but he felt it was getting worse.”

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19-goal Premier League striker available for £65m – but only select clubs can buy him

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 07:16:12 +0000

In an unusual twist, one Premier League striker is available for sale this summer, but only for selected clubs.

There’s some certainty to there being a striker’s ‘domino’ effect this summer, with a number of high profile names being moved around.

Benjamin Sesko, Romelu Lukaku, Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Joshua Zirkzee are just a few front men that are likely to be at a new club for the start of the 2024/25 campaign, but it needs the first of those to make the jump elsewhere before the rest are likely to follow suit.

Premier League striker, Solanke, could be sold this summer

Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke could also be considered to be part of any merry-go-round, though as The Athletic (subscription required) note, his £65m price will only be for certain clubs.

What’s odd about the situation is that those clubs aren’t named, so one can assume if certain interested parties make enquiries, they’ll know by the price quoted whether they’re part of the select few or not.

Dominic Solanke could leave Bournemouth for £65m

That could make life difficult for Solanke, particularly if he’s considering a move to a club that’s interested, but they’re refusing to pay any more than the £65m, whilst being one of the clubs out of that particular circle.

It also isn’t clear at this point just how much interest there is in a player that scored an impressive 19 goals in the Premier League last season.

In a Bournemouth side that were good without being great, Solanke stood tall and was a real focal point for the South Coast outfit.

Whilst Andoni Iraola would almost certainly be loathe to lose a player with Solanke’s talent, if he’s able to reinvest all of the money, he may be able to strengthen in other areas as well as up front.

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Exclusive: Man United turn their attentions to “very good” player that Fabrizio Romano says will cost “big, big money”

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:30:00 +0000

It’s a hugely important summer for Man United, not least because they need to decide on who will manage their first-team next season as well as buying the players that are going to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

A disappointing 2023/24 campaign has seen Erik ten Hag’s position hanging by a thread, though the lack of updates regarding the Dutchman’s future at the club would point to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the board perhaps giving him a stay of execution.

Certainly, ten Hag has always maintained that the incredible amount of injuries that crippled his team throughout the season was a good enough reason why no one saw the best of the Red Devils, particularly when compared to the previous season.

Man United looking at Milos Kerkez

Defensively United rarely had a settled back four for precisely that reason, with left-back, Luke Shaw, one of those to miss significant portions of the campaign.

That might be one of the reasons why United are apparently looking at the left-back position.

“I wanted to mention Milos Kerkez, a very good talent and one of the most interesting left-backs around Europe, doing very well after a fantastic season, making a great impact in the Premier League with Bournemouth,” Fabrizio Romano said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“We already said in February, in March, that Man United were looking at left backs, and Milos Kerkez is one of the players they appreciate for that position.

“He’s not the only one, but is one of the options they are discussing internally and could be a solution for the summer transfer window. Also, Chelsea have scouted him, but at the moment there’s no direct contact.

“Let me say that Bournemouth would ask for big, big money. They consider him a top player so it’s not going to be an easy deal.”

As transfer expert, Romano, states, any deal certainly won’t be an easy one to get across the line, however, Sir Jim arguably needs to spend big to make a real statement this summer.

Spending for spending’s sake clearly isn’t the way to go about things either, however, if there is talent potentially available that will improve the squad, then United have to be in the conversation.

Joining the Old Trafford outfit and playing for one of the world’s most storied clubs has to be seen as a privilege once more.

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Barcelona’s position on Xavi remains clear as Andoni Iraola comes into the picture

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Xavi Hernandez tendered his resignation at Barcelona earlier in the season after consistent criticism of his team’s performances, and since then the Catalan outfit have been brilliant.

Maybe the thought that each player is again playing for his place in the side has galvanised the group for the final few games of the campaign.

Barcelona, though unlikely to win both La Liga and the Champions League, still remain in the hunt for success in either competition, and stranger things have happened.

Football watchers will know to never say never where the beautiful game is concerned. Just ask Paris Saint-Germain after they were turned over 6-1 back in 2017, as Barcelona came back in the Champions League from a 4-0 first-leg deficit.

Barcelona want to keep Xavi

For all intents and purposes, the club’s former legendary midfielder is going to walk away in the summer and allow someone else to take the flak, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola the latest to apparently be mentioned in dispatches.

However, the situation remains clear for the club according to Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona’s Spanish coach Xavi

“Honestly, I’ve nothing on Barca and Iraola so far,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“Barcelona have clear intentions in any case. Laporta wants to wait for Xavi, hoping for him to change his mind. Barça will wait again for Xavi, for sure.

“Then if he decides to confirm that he wants to leave Barca will consider other candidates, but they’re not advancing in talks with any other coach as they want to wait for Xavi.”

The question mark for both Joan Laporta and Deco is whether they can persuade Xavi to keep on going with his project and to effectively ignore the haters.

Though he’s tactically inept at times, Xavi is still growing as a coach and should be allowed to make mistakes on his journey to be the best manager he can be.

It’s true that not winning a trophy would go against him, but having the backing of the board and sporting director is vital, and it appears that Xavi has just that.

Would he really just walk away from the club of his life and leave them with another crisis ahead of the 2024/25 campaign?

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Respected Newcastle man key to ensuring Liverpool and Tottenham don’t land 25-year-old ace

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:24:27 +0000

Once the 2024/25 Premier League season is over the transfer bunfight will begin, and after a strangely quiet January, we can be assured that this summer’s window will be a busy one.

There are plenty of players that are either out of contract or coming to the end of their current deals, and that makes them an attractive proposition in the marketplace.

One such player is Bournemouth’s highly-rated 25-year-old defender, Lloyd Kelly.

Newcastle want to land Lloyd Kelly ahead of Premier League rivals

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham Hotspur have already had advanced talks with the player ahead of a potential free transfer as have Liverpool says Les Bons Conceil Du Sports editor Seb Ecrivain Foot (h/t TeamTalk).

The outlet also suggest that the player has no intention of signing a new deal with the Cherries who will, reluctantly, have to accept that Kelly is on the move at the end of the current campaign.

Bournemouth’s English defender Lloyd Kelly. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

Newcastle are now trying to muscle in on any deal, with Steve Nickson, an executive from the Mike Ashley era, looking like the key man in any negotiations say the Daily Mail.

They note that the current head of recruitment will be a potential candidate for the sporting director role, and it’s entirely possible that his success (or otherwise) in trying to land Kelly could shape his immediate future at the club.

Well respected by his peers at St. James’ Park, Nickson is, apparently, fast becoming a key man, even though he’s largely unknown outside of Newcastle at this stage.

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Leeds in talks to sell £20m-rated forward after transfer window deadline

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 12:51:29 +0000

Daniel Farke has seen his Leeds side hit a real sweet spot in terms of standard of performances and results, and therefore his opinion on whether to keep hold of players or not should be respected.

There’s every chance that another player could be on the verge of leaving the club even though the transfer deadline has already passed.

According to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Luis Sinisterra’s current loan deal with Bournemouth could be converted into a £20m permanent deal in due course.

The outlet note that the two clubs are close to agreeing a deal, and it’s likely to benefit both if they’re able to get it ratified.

Given that Sinisterra has only started three games for the Premier League club, it’s an interesting tactic from Andoni Iraola.

It would suggest that the Cherries manager has seen something that he can develop and doesn’t want to risk the player having a brilliant second half of the season and other interested parties jumping in ahead of them.

Bournemouth had an option to buy as part of the loan deal, which would’ve come into play if Leeds weren’t promoted. That they don’t want to wait shows how proactive the club are becoming under Iraola, and it bodes well for the 2024/25 season.

Leeds could end up meeting Sinisterra in the English top-flight next season too should they go up at the first time of asking.

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West Ham team news: Kalvin Phillips debuts in strong Hammers line-up

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:56:22 +0000

West Ham take on a Bournemouth side at the London Stadium with Kalvin Phillips making his debut at the heart of the Hammers midfield.

A January capture for David Moyes, it will be interesting to see how quickly the loanee from Man City can dovetail into the side.

It seems fairly clear that Phillips is playing for his England place at the upcoming European Championship, and to that end, Moyes might hope to get the very best out of a player that was never given a chance by Pep Guardiola.

The Cherries arrive in the capital on the back of a 5-0 FA Cup win against Swansea and two Premier League losses against Liverpool (4-0) and Tottenham (3-1).

It’s also worth noting how many goals Andoni Iraola’s side have scored in other recent matches – three against Man United, Nottingham Forest and Fulham in the league, and three more against Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup.

They’ll face a tough test at the London Stadium, however, as Moyes is able to call upon a strong starting XI for the match.

Tonight's XI ?? pic.twitter.com/qh33RRHAhR

— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 1, 2024

Alphonse Areola keeps his place in goal, with Ben Johnson making a surprise appearance at right-back. Kurt Zouma is partnered by Dinos Mavropanos in the centre and Emerson makes up a solid back four.

Phillips joins Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse in midfield, whilst Tomas Soucek, Mo Kudus and Jarrod Bowen complete the line-up.

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