(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Matt Le Tissier

Sun 17 August 2025 10:00, UK

Bournemouth will need to mirror their Premier League rivals Brighton with their recruitment this summer or else they will find themselves in a relegation scrap.

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That is the view of former England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that the loss of “key defenders” would be hugely damaging for the Cherries.

Bournemouth’s defence took a battering in the summer window, Dean Huijsen agreed to join Real Madrid in May, and Milos Kerkez departed for Liverpool shortly after.

And if the loss of half their defence wasn’t bad enough, Illia Zabarnyi left for PSG just before the 2025/26 season kicked off.

The saving grace for Bournemouth has been their ability to retain important attacking options like Antoine Semenyo.

But whilst the Ghana international scored twice in their curtain-raiser against Liverpool, the Cherries’ defensive issues were on show as they conceded four times.

Antoine Semenyo scored twice against Liverpool.

(Credit: Imago)

This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.

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Speaking to Football Insider previously, Le Tissier tipped Sunderland, Burnley, and Brentford to be relegated from the Premier League.

And when speaking about the clubs that could go down, the Premier League legend revealed he was concerned for Bournemouth, due to the players that have left this summer.

Le Tissier told Football Insider exclusively: “Bournemouth have lost a couple of key defenders.

“The left back I thought was outstanding, they’ve lost Huijsen as well to Real Madrid who was a fantastic prospect.



Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid this summer.

“But if they get the recruitment right, and we’ve seen Brighton do it, we’ve seen them sell and still kick on again the following season, it is possible [to survive relegation].”

With plenty of cash to spend following their high-profile departures, the Cherries are looking to add to all areas of their squad.

One of the players Bournemouth are interested in is Arthur Avom, Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider exclusively.

Arthur Avom is wanted by a whole host of clubs.

(Credit: Imago)

The dynamic midfielder has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s best young midfielders for Lorient.

However, Bournemouth will face competition from Brentford, Southampton, Leicester, plus French duo Nice and Rennes for the 20-year-old’s signature.

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