After two seasons in the Championship, Bournemouth have battled their way back to the English top flight.
The Cherries only narrowly missed out on the title last season and the mood is high around Vitality Stadium, which will host the return of former boss Eddie Howe when Newcastle come to town in February 2023.
Before that day can be celebrated, however, there is a whole lot of work to do to keep afloat in the Premier League.
Here’s what to expect from Bournemouth this season.
Ins:
Outs:
Numbers subject to change before end of transfer window
2) Ryan Fredericks
4) Lewis Cook
5) Lloyd Kelly
6) Chris Mepham
7) David Brooks
8) Jefferson Lerma
9) Dominic Solanke
10) Ryan Christie
11) Emiliano Marcondes
14) Joe Rothwell
15) Adam Smith
17) Jack Stacey
18) Jamal Lowe
19) Junior Stanislas
21) Kieffer Moore
22) Ben Pearson
23) James Hill
29) Philip Billing
32) Jaidon Anthony
33) Jordan Zemura
37) Siriki Dembele
40) Will Dennis
42) Mark Travers
Star player
Bournemouth’s fortunes in the Premier League will likely be decided by a handful of familiar faces.
In midfield, Lewis Cook and Philip Billing both look like Premier League players, but the future of this team likely depends on the success of striker Dominic Solanke, who has a tricky track record of life in the top flight.
In 63 Premier League appearances, Solanke has just four goals to his name, but he exploded into life during his two years in the Championship. He bagged 15 in his first season before plundering 29 last time around, and Bournemouth will need that form of the 24-year-old Chelsea academy graduate if they are to survive.
One to watch
One of the more heart-warming stories of the season will be the return of 25-year-old winger David Brooks, who has not played since being diagnosed with cancer in October 2021. The Welshman has thankfully been given the all-clear and is back in training with his team-mates.
Brooks is one of the better-known names in this Bournemouth squad, but there are a handful of hidden gems whose impact on the casual fan may not yet be at its peak.
Former Arsenal youngster Jaidon Anthony exploded on the scene last season and will likely be key to Bournemouth’s success this year, while summer signing Marcus Tavernier is another intriguing prospect.
As a bonus, keep an eye out for 20-year-old centre-back James Hill. Signed from Fleetwood in January, Hill was on the radar of Barcelona before he made his move to the south coast. He only played one Championship minute last season and might not see too many in the top flight this year.
Home kit
🔴 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 ⚫️
With exactly one month to go until the season kicks off, it’s time to reveal our 2022/23 home kit 😍@UmbroUK // #afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/A4GNaueCn8
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 6, 2022
Away kit
Tavernier + deck chair + away kit 🥰 pic.twitter.com/rhMVMI0SVv
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 1, 2022
Third kit
Third kit x Everyone Together 👏
Our third kit is inspired by our award-winning campaign Everyone Together, which aims to tackle prejudice and promote understanding ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MT57R70wKZ
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 12, 2022
Bournemouth have taken a real gamble heading into the new season and are relying on the squad that won promotion to survive in the Premier League. The problem is, however, that most of this squad were part of the relegated side back in 2020.
As far as reinforcements go, they’ve brought in a reserve right-back and two players from old Championship rivals, meaning there is a distinct lack of both Premier League quality and experience in Scott Parker’s side.
That doesn’t necessarily spell disaster – 2020/21 Leeds and 2021/22 Brentford are perfect examples of how it can work out – but with all the sides around them splashing the cash, it feels as though the Cherries could be in for a very rough year.
