AFCB

First Team

Brooks signs for AFC Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of Wales international midfielder David Brooks from Sheffield United.

The highly-rated 20-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Vitality Stadium and arrives for an undisclosed fee.

Brooks rose through the ranks at Bramall Lane and enjoyed a loan spell at Halifax Town before making his Blades debut in August 2016.

He quickly gained a reputation as one of the brightest prospects outside the Premier League and made 37 appearances in all competitions for Sheffield United, netting three times.

Brooks represented England at under-20 level but switched allegiances to Wales - the country of his mother’s birth - and won the first of his three senior caps in a friendly fixture against France last November.

“The chance to come and play for a club in the Premier League is a great opportunity for myself. I’m delighted to be on board,” said Brooks.

“When you look at Eddie Howe as a manager you want to be involved in something like that. He’s got big ambitions and with younger players he develops them well and he gives them a chance.

“That’s something I’m looking for and he was one of the main attractions for me to come to Bournemouth.”

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said: “David is a player we have been looking at for a long time.

“He is technically very good, has huge potential and will fit our philosophy in terms of how we want to play.

“We’ve seen enough to suggest he is a player who could be outstanding at this level in the future if he develops in the right way and is willing to learn and improve.

“I believe he has a very exciting future and I’m delighted that future will be here at Bournemouth.”

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “David is an exceptional young talent who fits the profile of what we look for in a player.

“Unsurprisingly, there was a lot of interest in him from other Premier League clubs, so we are delighted that this is where he wants to play his football.

“I look forward to watching his progress under our manager, Eddie Howe, and his coaching team.”