AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has given his thoughts on his latest signings in Dominic Solanke and Nathaniel Clyne.
Howe believes new permanent recruit Solanke can give his AFC Bournemouth squad a different attacking option while also welcoming the arrival of Clyne, who has joined the Cherries on loan until the end of the season.
The pair - both signed on Friday from Premier League rivals Liverpool - became the club’s first additions on a busy day of the mid-season transfer window at Vitality Stadium.
Striker Solanke finalised terms on a long-term contract, while Clyne will temporarily boost Howe’s defensive resources in the wake of skipper Simon Francis’s season-ending knee injury - and made his debut from the start in the FA Cup match with Brighton on Saturday.
Both players are England internationals, Clyne having been capped 14 times by his country and Solanke earning his spurs in a friendly against Brazil 13 months ago.
Discussing Solanke, manager Howe said: “He is technically gifted, very athletic and a great size. He has the ability to play slightly different roles for us.
“He is certainly someone who will give us that physical profile that will give us something slightly different in our front line.
“He can definitely contribute and has done very well internationally for England in various age groups.
“He has a slight hamstring problem at the moment so I’m not quite sure when he will be fit and available for selection but he is someone we really like.”
And commenting on Clyne, Howe said: “Nathaniel is vastly experienced and can play a couple of positions for us.
“With Simon Francis’ injury, we felt it was really important we brought in someone capable of filling that void and are delighted to welcome Nathaniel to the club.
“Naturally, he wants to play and is very keen to bring his attributes to the team so we’re excited about what he can deliver for us.”
