Iraola looking for a striker, clash with Newcastle and team news
Andoni Iraola says Bournemouth are keen to sign a striker this January but admits it will be “difficult” to sign a No.9 in the middle of the season.
The Cherries lost Evanilson and fellow striker Enes Unal to long-term injuries over the summer and are therefore believed to be interested in signing another goalscorer as they continue their surprise push into Europe this season.
But while the south coast club is working on new signings, there is nothing to report yet, according to the Spanish coach.
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Newcastle, Iraola said: “There is no news. In the market it is difficult because it is a specific position and no one wants to get rid of number nine in the market.
“But the club continues to work on it and we still have ten or fifteen days on the market.”
But Iraola insists it won’t be the end of the world if they don’t bring in a new No.9 and score goals from all sides this season.
He added: “I think last season Dominic Solanke scored most of our goals, this season everyone contributed more as we created more chances.”
“We don’t rely on one goalscorer and as long as we create chances we will score goals. I don’t care if it’s number nine or full-back.”
What a strike 🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/2HJHCf4dRK
– AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 15, 2025
Bournemouth team news
Iraola says there have been no changes to the squad available to him for the game against the Magpies, meaning Evanilson and Unal are still joined by the likes of Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier and Ronald Araujo on the sidelines.
And the Bournemouth manager admitted the current spate of injuries is affecting his relatively small squad.
He added: “It won’t be the hardest starting XI to guess. We will not restore anyone from the other day. Half the teams in the Premier League have seven, eight or nine injuries – but in our very small squad we suffer more.”
Nevertheless, Iraola praised the fighting spirit shown by his camp as they look to extend their 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
The 42-year-old said: “We now have healthy and available players.
“They had all the excuses and decided not to accept them and instead keep fighting and doing their job and more, in whatever position we needed them and also in whatever condition.
“Even when they are tired, they keep going. I admire her.”
Newcastle will be “very difficult”.
Bournemouth face the Premier League’s top team on Saturday lunchtime, with Newcastle winning their last nine games in all competitions to move into the top four.
“It will be very difficult – they are flying, they have players in great shape, especially (Alexander) Isak and (Anthony) Gordon,” Iraola said of their opponents.
“Their midfield is super strong, they have a very good squad and almost everyone is available. It will be very difficult, but we are in a good position – we did really well against Chelsea and we are ready for the challenge.”
