AFC Bournemouth
Centre-back Marcos Senesi has signed for the Cherries for an undisclosed fee from Eredivisie club Feyenoord.
The Argentinian’s arrival makes him the fifth player to join Scott Parker’s squad during the summer transfer window.
Senesi’s four-year deal with AFC Bournemouth will keep the 25-year-old on the south coast until 2026.
Read below to find out five things you may not have known about the Cherries’ new signing.
1. Humble beginnings
Born and raised in Argentina, Senesi heralds from the north-eastern city of San Antonio de Padua de la Concordia.
The city is located in the province of Entre Rios and its name is often shortened to just Concordia.
With a population of around 170,000, Concordia houses around a third of the population of the Bournemouth and Poole area.
2. El Gladiador
After signing for Feyenoord in September 2019, the centre-back quickly made himself a key figure in the Rotterdammers’ side and a fan favourite.
His performances went on to earn Senesi the nickname of ‘El Gladiador’, or ‘The Gladiator’, due to his battling nature.
In his signing interview with afcbTV, the defender revealed that the nickname had originated with his father, Ricardo, before being adopted by Feyenoord supporters.
3. GOTS stunner
Despite being a central defender, Senesi is no stranger to a goal with nine over his 116 appearances in all competitions for Feyenoord.
One of his goals in particular received plenty of acclaim as it won the 2020/21 Eredivisie Goal of the Season.
In a home fixture against ADO Den Hag in September 2020, the Argentine bagged a spectacular left-footed overhead-kick.
The goal also proved pivotal for Feyenoord in the game, putting the Dutch club ahead before going on to win 4-2.
4. Finalissima dilemma
Ahead of the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley Stadium back in June, the tie between Italy and Argentina left Senesi with a decision to make.
Both Italy’s Roberto Mancini and Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni were impressed by the defender and with him eligible for both, he received a call-up for the two nations.
Ultimately, the 25-year-old opted for the country he was born in for the fixture which pitted the victors of Euro 2020 and the 2021 Copa America against one another.
In an interview with Argentine outlet Ole, Senesi explained: “It's really great for two national teams to want you, I'm delighted because it means I'm doing well.
“When I got the calls, I sat down with my family and listened to them, but the reality is that I have always dreamed about playing with Argentina, since I was a kid.
"For the last year I have been going to bed thinking about getting my chance.”
5. Brushing shoulders with the best
Following Neto’s arrival at Vitality Stadium on Sunday, Senesi’s signing makes him the second Bournemouth transfer in two days to have lined up alongside PSG’s Lionel Messi.
The Cherries’ Brazilian goalkeeper was, of course, teammates with the forward while at FC Barcelona and the centre-back played alongside him in his one appearance for Argentina.
Senesi’s debut for his nation came after Finalissima, coming off the bench for Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez in a friendly against Estonia in June.
On the day, Messi bagged all five goals in a 5-0 victory for Argentina, two of which he scored after the Cherries’ new signing’s introduction.
