Bournemouth have signed defender Julio Soler from Lanus for an initial fee of about £6.6m.
The deal for the 19-year-old, who the Cherries say has signed "a long-term contract", could eventually be worth about £11.5m if all add-on clauses are met.
Born in Paraguay, Soler is an Argentina Under-23 international and played all four games for Javier Mascherano's side in their run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympics.
The left-back, who has previously captained his nation at under-20 level, was called up to the senior team for the World Cup qualifiers in October 2024, but is yet to earn his first international cap.
Soler signed for Argentine club Lanus as a nine-year-old and made 58 appearances.
Simon Francis, Bournemouth's technical director, said: "Julio is another talented young player who arrives highly sought after and we are pleased to have added him to our squad.
"With the way Andoni [Iraola] and his staff improve exciting prospects, we look forward to seeing Julio's progress with us."
What do you think of this signing, Cherries fans? And could it have any impact on the future of fellow left-back Milos Kerkez?
Bournemouth’s signing of Julio Soler is an intriguing move, especially given his potential and youth. At just 19 years old, Soler brings promise, and his experience playing in the Argentina Under-23 side, particularly in the 2024 Olympics, demonstrates his ability to perform on a big stage. His involvement with Lanus, where he earned a reputation as a solid left-back and even captained the U-20 team, suggests he's not only technically gifted but also possesses leadership qualities, which will be valuable for Bournemouth’s defensive line.
The deal also includes add-ons that could eventually make the transfer worth around £11.5m, which reflects the club’s confidence in Soler’s future development. With the likes of Andoni Iraola at the helm, known for nurturing young talent, Soler has the opportunity to further refine his skills and become a key figure for Bournemouth.
As for the potential impact on Milos Kerkez, this signing could raise questions about the long-term plans for the left-back position. If Soler adapts well and progresses rapidly, it could lead to competition for the starting role with Kerkez. However, this doesn't necessarily mean the end for Kerkez at Bournemouth. It could encourage healthy competition and provide depth in that position, especially if the team needs to rotate players or cover injuries.
In terms of Milos Kerkez’s future, Bournemouth could potentially look at the situation with both players in mind, aiming to keep them both if they feel they can provide the necessary rotation and competition to maintain a strong defensive unit. Alternatively, if Soler’s arrival solidifies the left-back role, it could lead to interest in Kerkez from other clubs, especially if he's not able to secure regular starting opportunities.
In short, Soler’s signing seems to be a smart investment for the future, but it could lead to a shift in the left-back dynamics at Bournemouth, particularly for Kerkez.
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