Bournemouth defender Julio Soler was lined up for a possible move to Sporting this summer, according to claims from Portugal.

The Cherries player was identified as the Portuguese club’s alternative for the left side of defence. However, Sporting only intended to move for him if their deal for Moncef Zekri collapsed.

Portuguese outlet Leonino has revealed details on the situation. They explain Sporting had prepared more than one option after Ricardo Mangas left the club.

Bournemouth player was Sporting’s Plan B

Zekri was always Sporting’s preferred choice, but negotiations with KV Mechelen left them needing some insurance. That’s where Soler came in.

Leonino says the Bournemouth left-back was “the main alternative” and had already been identified by Sporting’s recruitment department.

His profile appealed to those making the decisions in Lisbon. They considered him a valid option to strengthen Rui Borges’ choices on the left. However, he would have represented a considerably bigger investment than the deal for Zekri, who cost Sporting €3m (£2.6m).

There’s no suggestion Bournemouth themselves had set that valuation or were asking for that amount.

Sporting ultimately didn’t need to find out. They completed the signing of Zekri and presented the Moroccan on Tuesday. He is expected to provide competition for Maxi Araújo.

Interest remains after January talks

Soler’s name being on Sporting’s list is also interesting given what happened earlier this year.

The Argentine came very close to leaving Bournemouth during the January window. Ajax and River Plate held talks over a move, while clubs in Brazil also showed interest.

None of those possibilities materialised, and Soler remained with the Cherries.

His situation hasn’t improved much since then. He has largely been left with Bournemouth’s reserves and appears to have little space in the first-team picture.

That could have made another exit this summer a realistic possibility. Sporting ultimately went elsewhere, so Bournemouth never had to make a decision on their interest.

Still, the Portuguese club adding Soler to their shortlist suggests the January attention hasn’t completely disappeared. Even while he’s been on the fringes at Bournemouth, clubs elsewhere are still keeping an eye on him.

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Tuttosport report that the Juventus goalkeeper, who joined Bournemouth on loan this week, has angered the Italian club’s fanbase with his social media activities.

The newspaper explains with the goalkeeper focused on his new adventure in England; he has ‘erased’ Juventus from his history.

After two seasons with the Italian club, Michele Di Gregorio has taken the decision to delete all posts featuring him in the Juventus jersey. That’s ended up sparking anger among their fanbase.

Juventus anger

That anger is partly aimed at him, but also a growing trend for former Juventus players. Dusan Vlahovic did the same after joining Besiktas.

Tuttosport argue that the decision is likely a response to events on the pitch over the past year and the harsh criticism directed at him.

There were ‘numerous’ errors that cost Juventus important points. These are mistakes that the Juventus fanbase never forgave.

Angry reaction

Reactions to Juventus’ post announcing his departure to Bournemouth clearly reflect the general sentiment towards the new Bournemouth keeper.

“We paid €20m for this guy; now it’ll be a miracle if they actually buy him permanently…” wrote one user.

Others asked, “Can we sue the people who wanted him and the ones who bought him?” Meanwhile, another commented, “Today is a good day,” with some even calling the post “the best of the year.”

The sentiment is clear. The goalkeeper did not leave a fond memory for the Bianconeri fans. They are happy to see him gone.

But while they are happy dishing that out, it seems they are not as happy to take it. Di Gregorio’s decision to delete Juventus from social media hasn’t gone down well at all. Whether he cares now he’s in Bournemouth, remains to be seen.

Nessun messaggio, nessun saluto e, soprattutto, più nessuna traccia della Juve nel suo account Instagram ufficiale. Il divorzio (momentaneo) tra Michele Di Gregorio e il club bianconero non è stato tra i più semplici, con il portiere titolare della scorsa stagione che si è pic.twitter.com/b4olZr41tT

— Corriere dello Sport (@CorSport) August 25, 2026

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Bournemouth have been handed another opportunity to sign Richard Ríos before the transfer window closes, with Benfica now open to selling the midfielder.

Multiple sources from Colombia have reported interest from the Cherries in recent weeks. The Portuguese media are now confirming and corroborating those claims, while adding important details about Benfica’s position.

Monday’s edition of A Bola says Ríos can leave Lisbon this summer. Record also presents Bournemouth as a viable destination for the 26-year-old.

There is no formal offer yet, although another report in Portugal says one could arrive from Bournemouth in the coming days.

Benfica open the door – Ríos wants Premier League

The situation has moved on considerably since then. Benfica paid Palmeiras €27m (£23.4m) for Ríos last summer and still consider him an important player. However, they are now prepared to negotiate his departure for the right amount.

There are slightly different figures being reported in Portugal. A Bola says Benfica would consider a high offer above €30m (£26m). Correio da Manhã puts their starting point at €40m (£34.7m).

A loan could also be considered, although Benfica would want a purchase clause included in any such agreement.

There is encouragement for Bournemouth from the player’s side too. Record report Ríos has turned down the possibility of joining Getafe because his preference is the Premier League. O Jogo had already explained that approaches from Spain and Germany had failed to convince him.

His representatives are aware of interest from English clubs and are waiting to see what happens during the closing days of the window. Another Portuguese report says Ríos’ agents are currently in Portugal dealing with his future and the possibility of a transfer.

Actually, they were in Germany last week and visited Italy earlier. So seems like they’re in some kind of Eurotrip looking for suitors.

Palhinha arrival changes everything

Benfica’s willingness to listen has a clear sporting explanation. Ríos has started only one of their six matches this season. Marco Silva has preferred Enzo Barrenechea and Leandro Barreiro in midfield. Fredrik Aursnes has just returned from his fitness problems, adding another option.

More importantly, João Palhinha is expected to complete his move from Bayern Munich in the coming days. The Portugal international will arrive expecting to challenge immediately for a starting place.

That leaves Ríos facing a crowded midfield despite an excellent 2025/26 campaign. He finished last season with eight goals and six assists from 45 appearances.

One report says Marco Silva would like to keep the Colombian. The manager also understands the situation and knows Ríos could leave before the deadline.

A sale would allow Benfica to recover their considerable investment and make a profit while also reducing their wage bill.

Bournemouth already have a route into Benfica

Bournemouth’s appearance in the picture is interesting given their recent business with the Lisbon club. The Cherries signed António Silva from Benfica for €25m (£21.7m) earlier this summer. Ríos could therefore follow the defender to England only weeks later.

As we know, this is also not the first time Bournemouth have looked at the midfielder. A Bola confirmed it.

But for now, the Portuguese media stress negotiations have not started and no formal proposal has arrived. What has become clear is that Benfica are willing to do business, Ríos is attracted by the Premier League and his representatives are working on his future.

Those three factors give Bournemouth considerably more room to turn their interest into something concrete before the window shuts.

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The 20-year-old believes his World Cup experience has changed how people see him. That includes those inside Bournemouth, where manager Marco Rose has already spoken to him about greater expectations.

Rayan discussed his new status in an interview with ESPN Brazil ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.

“Maturity,” he said when asked what the World Cup had given him. “I was 19 when I played at the World Cup. I turned 20 on August 3. It was a very happy moment.”

“After I became a starter and started playing, I matured a lot. Even with the defeat to Norway, I came out more prepared. I’ve arrived here wanting to start and finish the season well.”

Rose has already spoken to Rayan

Bournemouth already had plenty of reasons to be excited about Rayan before the World Cup. He arrived from Vasco da Gama as a young prospect and quickly made an impact in England.

The attacker scored five goals and provided two assists in 15 appearances last season. Those contributions helped Bournemouth finish sixth and secure a place in the Europa League.

His performances for Brazil have now added another layer to the expectations around him.

“After a World Cup, people look at you differently. The World Cup gives a player more weight. Now I have to make the most of that,” Rayan explained.

“There’s more expectation and more responsibility. The manager spoke to me about that.”

“After a World Cup, the responsibility on me becomes very big, just like the expectations from the supporters.”

Rose appears keen to manage that carefully. Rayan says the Bournemouth boss regularly speaks with him and remains conscious of his age.

“He talks to me a lot. He knows I’m only 20, but he understands that the World Cup changes things.”

“I also have Tiago [Pinto], the Portuguese director, who helps me a lot. I want to start this season very well.”

Bournemouth want another European push

Rayan’s breakthrough came during the second half of last season. This time, Bournemouth can expect him to have a bigger role from the beginning.

The Brazilian is also setting the bar high after last season’s sixth-place finish.

“Our objective is to have an even better season than the last one,” he said.

“We worked for that. We want to fight for European competitions again. The important thing is to start well, finish well and get as many points as possible.”

First comes Manchester City at the Etihad, where Rayan will meet Erling Haaland. And there’s a little extra motivation there.

Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup, giving Rayan an obvious reason to enjoy getting one over Haaland on Sunday.

“I’m going to have to get him back for that!” he joked.

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On Friday, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy that Bournemouth are very close to secure the goalkeeper’s services.

Details of Bournemouth agreement 

He joined the Serie A side from Monza in 2024 and was the No.1 for the last two seasons. He kept 36 clean sheets and conceded 84 goals from 84 matches.

Last season, the stopper let in 36 goals and kept 37 clean sheets. His performances didn’t fully convince Luciano Spalletti, who has summer signing Guglielmo Vicario as the new No.1 this summer.

Juventus have made Michele Di Gregorio available in the market and several clubs have come forward to sign him. Sky Italia now reports AFC Bournemouth are about to win the battle.

The Cherries have found an agreement with the Old Lady to sign him on loan with a €14m purchase option. The two clubs are sorting out the final details.

Di Gregorio, who has already given his approval to the Premier League side, should soon move to England.

Bournemouth beat competition 

Saturday’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport explains AFC Bournemouth’s rapid advances to sign the 29-year-old when covering their goalkeeping situation.

Juventus want to offload Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin in this window. We focus on their update on the former, who is on his way to joining Marco Rose’s side.

He will leave the Juventus hotel in the ‘next few hours’ to complete a move to the English club.

Di Gregorio knew he lost his place in the lineup following Guglielmo Vicario’s arrival and has wasted no time to secure an exit.

The Cherries have secured his approval in ‘just 48 hours’, beating Valencia and Marseille in the process.

They will pay €1.5m in loan fee and have an option to make his stay permanent for €14m.

The operation is at an advanced stage that he’s expected to travel in England in the ‘next few hours’ for medical tests.

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The Italian has been heading towards the exit for some time. Juventus wanted to move him on after a poor season and have since signed Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur.

That has opened the door for Bournemouth, and the situation appears to be moving quickly.

Di Gregorio gives Bournemouth his approval

Gianluca Di Marzio reports on Friday that Di Gregorio is “very close” to Bournemouth. Most importantly, the 29-year-old has already given his green light to the transfer.

Bournemouth and Juventus are now working to reach an agreement on the financial side of the deal.

The proposed formula is a loan with an option to buy. There is no indication yet of how much that option would be worth.

That means there is still work to do between the clubs, but Bournemouth have already cleared one important hurdle. Di Gregorio is happy to make the move to the Premier League.

Juventus have already moved on

The goalkeeper’s departure has looked likely for a while. Juventus were ready to find Di Gregorio a new club following his disappointing campaign last season. He had even been linked with Arsenal a few weeks ago, where he would have arrived as a back-up option.

Nothing came of that possibility. His position in Turin then became even clearer when Juventus brought in Vicario from Tottenham.

The Italian club now have their replacement and can concentrate on sorting out Di Gregorio’s exit. Bournemouth have taken advantage of that situation and currently look well placed to get him.

Di Marzio’s wording is particularly encouraging for the Cherries. He doesn’t simply talk about interest or initial contacts, and instead says the goalkeeper is “very close” to Bournemouth.

With Di Gregorio also giving his approval, an agreement with Juventus is the remaining major piece of the deal.

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Earlier this month, we covered claims from Brazil revealing Al-Hilal had identified the 19-year-old as their first choice to replace Malcom.

The Saudi side were preparing to make their move and that contact has now taken place. It didn’t get very far.

Globo Esporte reports Al-Hilal made contact to open negotiations for Rayan. But they were told the youngster has no intention of leaving Bournemouth.

Rayan has no interest in Saudi move

The youngster has made it clear he wants to stay at Bournemouth. More broadly, Rayan intends to continue his career in Europe, preferably in England. The outlet says he has no plans to move to the Middle East at such a young age.

Surely it won’t be hard for him to fulfill this intention. In less than six months we have already covered interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and other European giants.

That decision has stopped Al-Hilal’s plan before they could properly begin negotiations with the Cherries. They made contact, but Rayan himself closed the door.

Also, Rayan wasn’t just one name on a long list. Globo Esporte says he was Al-Hilal’s “plan A” to replace Malcom.

The Brazilian winger is negotiating an early termination of his contract in Riyadh. His current deal runs until the middle of 2027.

Al-Hilal move on

The Saudi club have consequently abandoned their pursuit and started looking elsewhere.

Globo Esporte says Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has become a target as they search for a new attacker.

That search is gathering pace because Malcom’s departure is now much closer. The 29-year-old is in advanced talks with Al-Hilal to terminate his contract, despite his current deal running until next summer.

For Bournemouth, though, that situation no longer appears to be a concern.

Al-Hilal wanted Rayan as their first choice to fill the expected vacancy. The player has decided otherwise, and the Saudi club are already moving on.

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The Italian played 16 times in Serie A in the 2025/26 campaign. He played a part in the club’s survival from relegation, operating at both right-back and left-back.

Some weeks ago, Sport Witness covered Bournemouth’s interest in Fortini. They made initial contact for his signature and there were signs the player could also be interested in the move.

The Cherries didn’t advance further and this has given a chance to Hull City.

Initial loan deal possible

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Tigers are interested in the defender, whose current deal at Fiorentina runs out in 2027.

LaViola have more information, clarifying that Fortini is on his way out of Florence. Torino and Sassuolo made enquiries for his signature but Hull City have moved strongly for him ‘in the last few hours’.

A move to the newly promoted side would go through on an initial loan basis. Hull City will have the option to buy and this would require him to initially renew his contract with Fiorentina.

The final decision now comes down to Fortini, who is believed to be more interested in staying in Italy.

Our take: Fortini would be a good signing

The 20-year-old’s career trajectory has gone up in the last two seasons. He spent a successful loan at Juve Stabia in the 2024/25 campaign and did well whenever called upon to do a job for Fiorentina.

Hull City should take advantage of this and sign him. He will only improve, especially if the youngster is handed regular first-team football.

A deal is likely to be cheap too. This will allow Sergej Jakirovic’s side to earn a capital gain in the future.

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Bournemouth are now among the two clubs showing the strongest interest in Elche defender David Affengruber.

The Cherries have competition from AS Roma, but Marco Rose could give them an advantage. The Bournemouth manager already knows the 25-year-old from their time in the Red Bull system.

Spanish newspaper AS brings the update on Thursday and says Affengruber’s contractual situation has attracted several clubs.

Bournemouth have Marco Rose connection

David Affengruber has entered the final year of his contract at Elche, with his current deal expiring in June 2027.

The Spanish club have been trying to renew his contract for some time. So far, those talks haven’t produced an agreement.

That creates an obvious problem for Elche. They risk losing the Austria international for nothing next summer if they keep him without securing a renewal.

AS therefore says Elche would be open to a “fair sale” during the current window. That gives Bournemouth an opportunity if they decide to push ahead.

Rose also has some previous knowledge of the player. Affengruber came through the Red Bull Salzburg system, where the pair crossed paths. The Bournemouth manager therefore knows the defender from well before his move to Spain.

Affengruber joined Elche in 2024 and his performances have followed a sharp upward curve. AS describes him as one of La Liga’s revelations last season. The defender was even linked with a move to Manchester United recently.

He was also part of Austria’s squad at this summer’s World Cup. That earned him some additional time off before returning for Elche’s pre-season.

Roma offer Champions League competition

David Affengruber now has several possibilities to consider, although Bournemouth and Roma are presented as the two most interested clubs.

Roma can offer Champions League football next season. AS makes clear that playing in Europe, particularly in that competition, appeals to the centre-back. That gives the Italian club an obvious card to play.

There may also be some pressure to make a decision relatively quickly. Other European clubs have already asked about the Austrian. AS believes the opening rounds of the new season could encourage some of those sides to make their move.

For Bournemouth, this looks like an interesting market opportunity. Affengruber is coming off an impressive season and Elche have a contract problem to solve.

Rose knowing exactly what he would be getting only adds another layer to the Cherries’ interest.

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La Repubblica di Genova report that the Italian side have their sights on Daniel Jebbison and Evan Ferguson.

Striker search

The newspaper explains that the list of candidates at the Serie A side is long as they try to solve their search for a player in the position. Manager Daniele de Rossi is now pushing to add a name before the season starts in ten days’ time.

Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is one of those names. He’s returned to the Seagulls following an unsuccessful loan spell at Roma.

But he is not a part of their plans moving forwards and a temporary move away – for a second time – could suit all parties. Genoa would certainly be open to loaning the 21-year-old. But he is considered a “recycled” option.

Bournemouth man impresses

Then there is Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison. He ‘caught Genoa’s eye’ during a friendly between the two sides on August 4^th. Bournemouth won that game 10-1, with Jebbison among the goalscorers.

The 22-year-old Canadian seems to have impressed Genoa’s management with his performance in that game. The question is whether Cherries would want to sell. They have already lost Eli Junior Kroupi through injury and Enes Unal is set to return to Getafe.

They signed Álvaro Rodríguez earlier this summer, but the plan is surely for Jebbison to provide back up to him, unless there are more additions before the end of the window.

For now, it appears that Genoa are just looking at the names on their list and deciding what direction to go in. But there is a desire to get a new striker through the door in the next 10 days, and the Brighton and Bournemouth men are options to be explored in that pursuit.

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