Acheampong 'untouchable' despite interestpublished at 08:12 BST 2 June
08:12 BST 2 June
Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for defender Josh Acheampong.
The 20-year-old is a graduate of the academy at Stamford Bridge and as reported elsewhere has been given 'untouchable' status in terms of his future.
It remains unclear whether Acheampong, whose Chelsea contract expires in 2029, is looking for a move away from the club.
However, Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation while Bournemouth also retain an interest in Acheampong from last summer.
'Elphick has one of the strongest hands going' - Tubbspublished at 11:18 BST 1 June
11:18 BST 1 June
Media caption,
Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick's decision to turn down the opportunity to become Bristol City boss was "bold and brave", says former Cherries forward Matt Tubbs.
The 38-year-old, who played for Bournemouth between 2012 and 2016, rejected what would have been his first role in senior management to assess his long-term options following the departure of Andoni Iraola.
"I can see both sides of it," former team-mate Tubbs told BBC Radio Solent. "If he has aspirations of going into management, then Bristol City would have been an ideal first club.
"For him to turn that down is a bold and brave decision, but he is in a very strong position because his options are unbelievable.
"Turning down Bristol City is a big statement, but if he goes wherever Iraola goes then you can see why, and if he stays at Bournemouth it is a win-win for him.
"I'm sure he loves the club as much as anyone. He was captain of the club, so I'm sure all of the players are very fond of him as well. He would also get the guarantee of European football next season.
"If you are Tommy Elphick right now, you have one of the strongest hands going.
"We all looked up to him as players all them years ago, and I'm sure the current players - the older heads as well as the younger heads - look up to him because of what he has done at the football club [as a player and as a coach]."
Bowen, Disasi? - Fans on who Cherries should sign from relegated sidespublished at 17:11 BST 29 May
17:11 BST 29 May
We asked for your views on who Bournemouth should sign from the relegated Premier League sides Wolves,Burnley and West Ham United.
Here are some of your suggestions:
Simon: Jarrod Bowen would be my knee-jerk response. With Adrien Truffert on the left, the West Ham winger would be a great addition down the right, but sadly, he's not much younger than our beloved Adam Smith. The trouble is that we rarely, if ever, sign from another Premier League side…it's just not our style. Can't see us poaching anyone from these teams. Up the Cherries!
Jamie: Axel Disasi and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be very handy experience to have in the defensive ranks. Obviously Bowen but he'll go for big money. If Enes Unal goes, then Zian Flemming would also be a good impact sub up top.
Ryan: Wan-Bissaka from West Ham, who has European experience that Bournemouth will need. Unsure if Alex Jimenez has a future at Bournemouth so a new right-back may be a good way to go.
Tim: Mateus Mane looks like a gem!
Tony: Bournemouth seem to have a very successful method of recruitment. After rebuilding their entire defence and losing key players, they have finished the season in Europe and sixth. Why would you buy players from clubs without the same success? Relegated players probably expect a Premier League wage beyond their proven abilities.
Chris: Bowen would be an incredible signing, but I expect he'll go to a club in the top six. Oh wait! That's us!
Josh: Mane seems an obvious choice given our recruitment strategy, particularly if Eli Junior Kroupi ends up leaving it would be good to have someone to understudy Justin Kluivert who I'm sure would step straight into the role with no issues. I don't see any of the other players who are good enough for us. Maybe we could bring in Max Weiss as a back-up, as for some reason I don't think we will trigger Christos Mandas's £16m buyout clause.
Bournemouth quickfire end of season reviewpublished at 12:50 BST 29 May
12:50 BST 29 May
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The most significant moment of the season was...
The 1-0 win at Fulham in May. In front of a huge contingent of away fans at Craven Cottage, the Cherries battled for a crucial win which put them within touching distance of a debut European campaign.
The season has been a success because...
By any metric, this has been Bournemouth's most successful season of all time. For the second successive campaign, they have reached the highest league position in their history, with a record number of top-flight points.
The unsung hero of the season is...
Marcus Tavernier. While the headlines went to teenagers Eli Junior Kroupi and Rayan, and the awards were shared between Alex Scott and Marcos Senesi, Tavernier has been a vital cog. Something of a "Swiss army knife" midfielder, Tavernier can play anywhere in Andoni Iraola's system, often switching between roles as the game develops, and weighs in with his share of goals.
If there's a player or staff member with more to do in future it is…
Bafode Diakite was signed for £34m, but lost his place to James Hill in mid-season and watched the ex-Fleetwood man play a starring role. With Marcos Senesi departing, there is a centre-back place up for grabs, and Diakite has the chance to fill it.
The major club issue or talking point lurking is...
Incoming manager Marco Rose likes his teams to play in a similar high-energy style to Iraola but will he and the squad cope with the extra workload of Europe?
The reason for hope going forward is...
Bournemouth are going places, on and off the field. As well as a European tour to look forward to, work is under way to expand Vitality Stadium which should ultimately increase the capacity to about 20,000 by the start of 2027-28.
Meanwhile, Celtic are keen to hold talks over taking Julian Araujo for another loan spell from Bournemouth but face competition from Liga MX clubs Monterrey and Cruz Azul for the right-back. (Heraldo, via Daily Record), external
Elphick assessing his future options after rejecting Bristol Citypublished at 15:14 BST 28 May
15:14 BST 28 May
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Tommy Elphick rejected a move to Bristol City as he assesses his long-term future options.
The Bournemouth assistant was offered the job at the Robins, which would have been his first role in senior management.
But with the situation at the Cherries fluid, with Marco Rose replacing Andoni Iraola, sources have told BBC Sport Elphick is carefully considering his next move.
The 38-year-old has held positive talks with Rose, with the former RB Leipzig manager taking over on a three-year deal.
If the offer from Bristol City had come a few weeks later, with a clearer picture at Bournemouth, Elphick may have accepted the role.
There were positive talks with the Robins, with Elphick impressed with its personnel and the club's plans.
It was a reluctant decision but one he took with a potential career crossroads in front of him.
He helped Iraola guide the Cherries into Europe for the first time this season, finishing sixth in the Premier League to seal a Europa League place.
Iraola stepped down after three years in charge, with talks over a new deal unsuccessful despite the Cherries' desire to keep him.
Former defender Elphick made 145 appearances for Bournemouth, having signed from Brighton in 2012, to help them rise from League One to the Premier League.
Bournemouth want to keep key triopublished at 08:10 BST 28 May
08:10 BST 28 May
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth will try to keep their three most valuable players – Eli Junior Kroupi, Rayan and Alex Scott – this summer.
The Cherries will present a strong case that European football only enhances the platform on offer at Vitality Stadium, while significant player sales in recent seasons mean there is no financial pressure to sell.
Each situation differs slightly.
Scott, 23, is under contract until 2028, but Bournemouth accept he is deserving of a new deal.
Rayan, meanwhile, only joined in January and is not seeking a move this summer. The 19-year-old forward arrived from Vasco da Gama and is willing to wait at least a year until his release clause becomes active.
Kroupi is expected to be the most difficult to keep. The 19-year-old scored 13 goals this season, attracting interest from several Champions League clubs.
Rayan joined for £30m, Kroupi in January 2025 from Lorient for £13m and Scott in the summer of 2023 from Bristol City for £25m.
There is an acceptance that if all three continue on their current trajectories they will eventually leave for bigger clubs in the years to come.
Bournemouth are anticipating a relatively quiet summer, with a squad already equipped for European competition.
Their top priority is a replacement for outgoing defender Marcos Senesi. Also on the agenda is a striker to replace Enes Unal - who is available for sale - and a number-two goalkeeper capable of providing competition for Djordje Petrovic.
Truffert makes Opta's team of the seasonpublished at 07:46 BST 28 May
07:46 BST 28 May
Image source, Getty Images
Statisticians Opta have conjured up their Premier League team of the season based on data collected throughout the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Bournemouth left-back Adrien Truffert has made the cut after playing a key role in a historic Cherries season that ended with Europa League qualification - the first time the club will play in Europe in its history.
On Truffert, Opta said: The sight of Truffert flying down the left-hand side of Bournemouth's flank is well known to Cherries fans and it is borne out in the data - the Frenchman was the only player to make more than 50 overlapping runs in the Premier League in 2025-26. It wasn't just on the outside either - he ranked in the top-five for underlapping runs, too.
Truffert was one of only three players to win possession in the defensive third 100+ times (105), while he was top for both interceptions (48) and for tackles (103) among full-backs.
He also made the most progressive ball carries of any full-back (279) and progressed the ball close to two miles upfield with ball carries, the second-most of any full-back.
He was the only Bournemouth outfield player to start all 38 matches of their historic Premier League campaign.
'Total and utter joy...10/10!' - season report cardpublished at 10:01 BST 27 May
10:01 BST 27 May
Tom Jordan Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?
Cherries fans would rate the season simply as 10/10! The club achieving European football for the first time feels remarkable, particularly following a summer losing many key players. Total and utter joy has to be the overriding emotion.
Best moment and why?
There have been plenty of magical moments for Bournemouth fans to enjoy, some huge scalps and many late winners.
The club looked to have caused major damage to Arsenal's title hopes when they impressively rocked up to the Emirates and deservedly won 2-1.
However, Arsenal did win the title, and ironically - it was thanks to Bournemouth. A home draw with Manchester City resulted in the Premier League trophy going to north London, but it was also a game which in itself guaranteed European football for the Cherries - a night that will remain forever in Bournemouth history.
Player of season and why?
It has undoubtedly been a team effort both on and off the pitch that has led to a top-six finish being achieved. There are many consistent performers but it's the 'midfield magician' Alex Scott who has been the standout throughout. Scott's ceiling is certainly high, and he's quickly turning into the complete Premier League midfielder.
Unsung hero and why?
Every successful side has that unsung hero, a player who is so integral to what the team does without always getting the credit they deserve. In Evanilson, Bournemouth have a centre-forward whose selfless running and intelligence is pivotal to how they play and perform.
Biggest disappointment?
The inability to beat two of the three relegated sides is seen as a real annoyance, as is the frustration at not winning against those who were promoted. The Cherries couldn't get past Burnley or West Ham despite their poor seasons, and if they had managed to win just two of those, it would be Champions League football next season.
What needs to change this summer?
That ability to see off sides who are content to defend and snatch a draw is certainly something the club will look to improve on. Turning those draws into wins could elevate Bournemouth to another level.
Major hope for next season?
The major hope for next season is to embrace and progress to the latter stages of the Europa League - while also steering clear of any relegation scrap in the Premier League of course.
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Iraola meets his Bournemouth successorpublished at 08:48 BST 27 May
08:48 BST 27 May
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Andoni Iraola held a two-hour meeting with incoming Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose in his final act at the club.
The Spaniard bowed out at the Vitality Stadium by securing the club's highest-ever Premier League points total and finish, qualifying for the Europa League in sixth on Sunday.
Before departing on holiday, he spent two hours talking to Rose about players, tactics and the challenges he is about to face on Monday.
The meeting impressed those at Bournemouth and was said to be a final show of commitment. It was also a sign of mutual respect between the pair.
Rose will bring three members of staff, who have already held several meetings with various departments in an attempt to integrate.
The new head coach was chosen from a list of candidates, including Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, due to his tactical similarities to Iraola, his European experience and his work developing young players.
Iraola is expected to join another club this summer having held substantial talks with Crystal Palace, but has also been linked to AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
When asked about Rose's appointment in April, Iraola said: "Marco Rose's Gladbach was one of my favourite teams.
"I really like German football because as a spectator I love it when things happen. It is not a case of you attack for two minutes and then it is my turn. Every player has to do more and more roles because everyone on the pitch is attacking and defending.
"I like that football where the player does everything. The attackers press as defenders, central defenders drive forward and hold the last line. It is a very complete and tactical football, that's why I liked Rose's Gladbach, you could see that it was well worked."
Each one of these is a huge story on its own but Andoni Iraola deserves a special mention.
To take Bournemouth to sixth place, at a club with a ground capacity of just over 11,000, after losing a multitude of top players, is beyond incredible. In many campaigns it would get you manager of the year award.
That field includes Pep Guardiola, not only the best coach in the business, but among the greatest of all time.
There is Mikel Arteta who could bring home a league and Champions League double and Regis le Bris who has turned Sunderland from Premier League minnows to seventh in the table. Astonishing.
Yet, Iraola's success still looks impressive in comparison.
I hope he gets the job he deserves next season; in fact, I am sure he will.
The rest of my column has a new home – on the BBC Sport website.
The phrase 'if you're good enough, you're old enough' is often thrown around in the footballing sphere, and Bournemouth have been a bigger advocate for that than any other team in the Premier League this season.
Following victory against Crystal Palace earlier this month Bournemouth became the first side ever to have two teenagers score a goal in back-to-back Premier League games thanks to Eli Junior Kroupi and Rayan's goals against the Eagles and Leeds.
Through Kroupi in October and Rayan in May, the Cherries also became the first team in Premier League history to have two different teenagers score in three consecutive games in the same season.
The Frenchman's 13 league goals this season also made Kroupi the highest-scoring teenager in their debut Premier League campaign, overtaking Robbie Fowler from 1993-94 and Robbie Keane from 1999-00 (12).
Cherries making Europe is 'beyond imaginable' - Partingtonpublished at 11:16 BST 26 May
11:16 BST 26 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington says it is "absolutely insane" that the Cherries will be playing in the Europa League next season and the feeling is "surreal".
In Andoni Iraola's final game in charge of the club, Bournemouth confirmed their place in Europe next season for the first time in their history.
And Partington said it is down to the club building to this point over the last few seasons.
Speaking on the Cherries: Unpicked podcast, Partington said: "It's genuinely unbelievable. It's hard to find the words to articulate what it means properly. The supporters, the way that they feel at the moment, that's probably a better way of summing it up.
"It's not just the last 18 months but an accumulation of progress the club has been in for many, many years and nobody thought that this was achievable. The club have made huge statements over the last few years that this is the level they want to get to and this is where they want to be at. A lot of people questioned that and last year, it felt like we got close to it. At the back end of last year, we were chatting about European football, and then the club faded away.
"But now we've finished three points below Liverpool, finished above Chelsea, we'll be travelling to some of Europe's elite clubs next season. It's just insane, it's absolutely insane. The feeling of the supporters will best sum up this moment. They've all been through it.
"It's beyond imaginable what has happened, and yet here we are talking about it, and next season it will become normality, which is even more surreal."
'A truly remarkable achievement'published at 08:01 BST 26 May
08:01 BST 26 May
Image source, Getty Images
Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.
Prediction: 15th
A truly remarkable achievement by Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth as they reached Europe for the first time in their 127-year history.
It is even more striking as they lost three first-choice defenders last summer, while main forward Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City in January.
No matter, as this thrilling team never missed a beat, going 18 league games unbeaten, with Alex Scott and exciting teenager Junior Kroupi outstanding. They were even in Champions League contention until the final day of the season.
One question: why would Iraola leave this behind?
What I said in August: "It would be another sign of Iraola's quality if he can once more direct them into the Premier League's top half."
'Brilliant sellers' Bournemouth could experience 'dip' next seasonpublished at 18:24 BST 25 May
18:24 BST 25 May
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth are currently viewed as "a great stepping-stone club" but the hierarchy must learn "they can't keep selling their best players and continue to succeed", says The Telegraph's Luke Edwards.
The Cherries will play Europa League football next season under new head coach Marco Rose, after securing a sixth-place Premier League finish.
"Bournemouth play some of the most exciting and easy-on-the-eye football in the league," Edwards said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "What a story it is for them - they were in League Two not so long ago. They are this generation's Wimbledon.
"The one thing in football that talks louder than anything else is that you can love your manager to bits, but if someone offers to double or triple your wages it is hard to turn down.
"That's where Bournemouth are always going to be vulnerable because they will have players that are coveted this summer.
"They can't keep selling their best players and continue to succeed, even though I know they have done it brilliantly [up until now]. I do think there will be a dip next season.
"I don't want to talk in a negative light, but [Eli] Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott could leave. I know for a fact Scott is on a lot of top club's summer shortlists.
"But Bournemouth are brilliant sellers. They know when they sign these players, there will come a point where they have to sell them, but they can also charge absolute top whack for them. It is a great stepping-stone club.
"Even though they are celebrating getting Europa League football, they probably know they are going to lose at least two of their key players this summer - but there will be a plan to replace them.
"That's the difference between well-run football clubs and badly run football clubs."
'Remarkable' and 'doesn't get any better than this' - fan's on end of seasonpublished at 11:34 BST 25 May
11:34 BST 25 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Bournemouth qualified for the Europa League as Andoni Iraola's final game in charge ended in a draw at Nottingham Forest.
Here are some of your comments:
Malcolm: A Cherries fan for over 58 years and it doesn't get any better than this. 18 games unbeaten, sixth-place finish in the league and a place in the Europa League next season. Eternally thankful for the three years Andoni has given to the club and what he has achieved. To quote our ex-chairman Jeff Mostyn, "Together, anything is possible." One very proud Cherries fan.
Daniel: It's a relief they're going to Europa and not the Champions League. They would not have done that well, but the Europa is a better introduction. Look at Swansea, they beat Valencia 3-0 away in their first game in Europe!
Mick: Superb season for the Cherries. Andoni will be missed, but the management is top-class. Developing players - which has sadly caused the club to lose some absolute stars, like the whole defence at the end of last season - but the recruitment has been top-notch. I look forward to seeing how the club evolves under Marco Rose. Best of luck in Europe... A position I never thought I'd see when I started following them in 1962. Remarkable.
Steff: What a great job Iraola has done! Hopefully he won't take a step backwards by joining Crystal Palace. That would just be silly! Shades of Southampton for Bournemouth, who reinvigorated several managers, but couldn't keep hold of the best of them, thus stopping their upwards trajectory. I hope I am wrong and that they continue to shock the football world, for some years to come.
Keith: I remember watching from the New Stand on a cold, wet night in February and we played out a draw (I think 0-0) against Barrow. Miserable! Less fans at Dean Court than at City Ground. How times have changed! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we would get to the Premier League, let alone European competition. UTCIAD.
Europe was not on Iraola's agendapublished at 08:01 BST 25 May
08:01 BST 25 May
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Andoni Iraola replaced Gary O'Neil in June 2023 having taken Rayo Vallecano to 11th in La Liga after leading them to promotion in his first season.
Just three wins in his opening 14 games - including chastening defeats by Arsenal and Manchester City - cast initial doubt on that call as the Cherries took time to adapt to his high-intensity methods.
They won just three points from his opening nine league games before a victory against Burnley earned a first win at the 10th attempt.
"We couldn't take in all the information at first," former striker Dominic Solanke said at the time.
"For me, I'm pressing with a number 10 behind me and, at first, our timing was off. We didn't know when to press or to drop, but now it's second nature as the manager has gone through it many times and it's embedded in our heads, and we are all on the same wavelength. It's natural now."
In the season prior to taking charge at Bournemouth, Iraola's Vallecano forced more high turnovers which led to a shot (68) than any side in the top five European leagues than Bayern Munich (73).
And imposing a similar style at Bournemouth was more his aim on arriving than looking to secure matches against continental opposition.
"I had no idea [about reaching Europe when joining]," said Iraola.
"The first thing from the club was more than the results, changing the style, changing the approach, being more offensive and proactive – that's why they signed me.
"The club was focused on this and this is why I was attracted to the idea. The way of playing took some time but it has given us some incredible results. We have beaten the points record every single season.
"I knew it was almost impossible to get Europe but the owner told me since the beginning 'I want Europe.' To finish the three seasons giving back, not just to the owner but the fans and players, it is one way of thanking them."
