'Rayan a replacement capable of filling Semenyo's boots'published at 13:33 GMT 8 February
13:33 GMT 8 February
Sam Ashoo Final Score reporter at Vitality Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
Losing Antoine Semenyo was a big blow to Bournemouth, but in Rayan, the Cherries' recruitment team looked to have unearthed a replacement capable of filling the Ghanaian's boots.
Having impressed after coming on against Wolves last week, Rayan was given his first start against Aston Villa, and he certainly took his opportunity.
My press box seat at Vitality Stadium was low to the right-hand side, offering a perfect chance to see the Brazilian up close in the first half.
He was calling for the ball at every moment, recognising that he had the beating of Lucas Digne.
And it was that duel that would become the key moment in the second half.
When Rayan picked the ball up from deep, there was no thought of passing, or even a give and go, instead he revved the proverbial engine and went 0-60 in the space of about three seconds, easing past Digne and sliding it past Emiliano Martinez.
I have said it before on Final Score, but we must celebrate the dribblers of the Premier League - the players whose first thought is to beat their man instead of recycling possession.
There haven't been enough of them in recent times, but that might be changing.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 11:15 GMT 8 February
11:15 GMT 8 February
Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures and Friday's action.
Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa: What Iraola saidpublished at 18:54 GMT 7 February
18:54 GMT 7 February
Media caption,
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, speaking to BBC Sport: "Looking at how the game has evolved, I think it's not enough for us.
"Probably before the game you think a draw would be a decent result, but after the game we do not feel completely satisfied because I think we were the better team today easily.
"But we couldn't win the game."
On his side's missed chances: "We had two situations with Junior Kroupi and usually he's so good at finishing from the edge and after that Rayan hit the crossbar and we had some good chances also.
"Emi Martinez has had a good game and dealt quite well with those corners. We have done enough to win but we did not get the second one."
Did you know?
Since the start of last season, Bournemouth have lost just two of their eight Premier League games against a side starting the day in the top three places (W5 D1).
Since the turn of the year, only Manchester United (14) and Chelsea (13) have collected more points in the Premier League than Bournemouth (11 – W3 D2 L1), prior to Brentford (10) against Newcastle United.
Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa: Rayan impresses on first startpublished at 18:27 GMT 7 February
18:27 GMT 7 February
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Rayan is a Brazil Under-20 international
Mid-table Bournemouth continue to impress in the Premier League, despite regularly having to sell their best players.
Since last season, the Cherries have sold defender Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50m, Milos Kerkez to Liverpool for £40m, Illia Zabarnyi to Paris St-Germain for £57m, and versatile wide player Dango Ouattara to Brentford for £42.5m.
Their most recent high-profile departure was that of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City for £65m in January, with Rayan, a Brazil Under-20 international, the man signed to be his replacement.
Rayan made an impressive start as a substitute with an assist during Bournemouth's 2-0 win at Wolves and that earned him a first start, with the youngster playing on the right wing and grabbing his opportunity.
He was unlucky in the first half when he headed against the crossbar after Morgan Rogers, who had earlier gave Aston Villa the lead, failed to clear a corner, before Rayan conjured his fine solo goal as he left experienced defender Digne trailing.
Only an inspired display from Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez, with seven saves, denied Bournemouth a victory.
Head coach Andoni Iraola, speaking to Match of the Day, said of the new recruit: "He is an amazing player.
"He can go inside and outside when there's space, and he can go one to one against the defender and it is very difficult for the defender. He's finished it really well.
"He's still a young player who needs to improve some things."
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Sunderland", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Bournemouth v Aston Villapublished at 11:12 GMT 7 February
11:12 GMT 7 February
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests.
His guest for week 25 is Gladiators star Apollo, real name Alex Gray, who supports Newcastle.
Sutton says: Losing back-to-back home league games against Everton and Brentford has been a real killer for Aston Villa, who have so many injuries to contend with in their midfield.
After a long wait for a win, Bournemouth have now won three of their past four league games - and I make them favourites at home here.
Villa thumped the Cherries 4-0 at Villa Park in November, and I have got a lot of their players in my Fantasy team, but this is going to be a very different game.
I've gone for 2-1 wins in my first two games and I don't really want to go for that scoreline again here, but I feel like I have no choice. I do think Villa will score - Morgan Rogers is always dangerous and Tammy Abraham is a clever signing up front - but Bournemouth will edge it.
Bournemouth v Aston Villa: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:01 GMT 6 February
19:01 GMT 6 February
Noel Sliney BBC Sport senior journalist
Rejuvenated Bournemouth have won five of their past seven league games against top-three sides but they are winless in six matches against Saturday's high-flying visitors Aston Villa (15:00 GMT).
Villa won the reverse fixture 4-0 and are vying to complete their first league double over Bournemouth. Nonetheless, the Villans are experiencing a domestic dip in form, taking just seven points from six matches.
Kroupi becoming cornerstone of rebuilt Bournemouth
It has been a curious season so far for Bournemouth. They were second in the table after nine matches but then went 11 without a win before recovering to earn 10 points from their past four league fixtures.
Their recent upturn has come despite the £62.5m sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, who became the sixth key departure from the side which ended last season with a club record Premier League points total.
Amid the team rebuild, one player who has come to the fore is Junior Kroupi. Plucked a year ago from Lorient in the French second division, where he stayed on loan until last summer, the 19-year-old forward has steadily made himself indispensable.
Kroupi has been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month award for January, during which he scored three goals in five games – including a 20-yard strike against Arsenal and superb half-volley to put Bournemouth ahead at Wolves last weekend.
The £10m signing has made four Premier League starts in a row for the first time, playing as a support striker behind Evanilson, and his eight goals this season are the second most by a teenager in Europe's top five leagues behind Lamine Yamal of Barcelona.
Kroupi also has the best minutes-per-goal ratio of anyone to score more than once in the Premier League this term, as well as the best shot conversion rate – finding the net with 38% of his attempts on goal.
Misfiring Villa in need of an attacking spark
A run of three defeats in six league games, coupled with long-term injuries to three key midfielders, has perhaps recalibrated Aston Villa's credentials. Though being third in the table is certainly no fluke – Villa have consistently shown top-four form since Unai Emery's arrival in late 2022 – they are unable to match the star quality and squad depth of the teams around them.
They were excellent just a fortnight ago in beating Newcastle at St James' Park, but have now lost back-to-back home league games, latterly against 10-man Brentford.
The controversially disallowed goal for Tammy Abraham, back at the club for a second spell, last Sunday means Aston Villa have failed to score in three of their past four top-flight matches. Neither did they particularly trouble the opposition defence in any of those three games.
Emery predominantly brought in attacking players during the January transfer window, including recalling winger Leon Bailey from a loan spell at Roma, and he will be eager for them to redress a startling fact – Aston Villa are the only team without a Premier League goal this season from any of their 2025-26 signings.
Iraola on Brooks' fitness, Jimenez future and transfer businesspublished at 12:55 GMT 6 February
12:55 GMT 6 February
Huzaifah Khan BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Aston Villa at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Iraola confirmed he has the same squad to pick from for this weekend after beating Wolves last time out.
He also said David Brooks will be assessed and could be added.
On defender Alex Jimenez being close to making his loan move permanent with a start against Villa, Iraola confirmed it is a matter of time before it happens and said Jimenez "will be a very good player".
Reflecting on the transfer window and losing key player Antoine Semenyo, he said: "For this transfer window, time will tell. I think it was difficult because when you lose a player like Antoine Semenyo, it's difficult to replace, but I think we have done well. I'm happy with the players we have signed."
When asked whether he had a say over transfer business, Iraola said, "No, it's not about me. I don't sign players. I always say that. I don't sign players. When the club does, you have the hope that these players will be successful, but you never know."
He added: "When you sign players, especially when they are young and come from different environments, you never know."
Iraola was asked whether working with a young squad is what appeals to him as his contract expires at the end of the season. He said: "I try to help the club sign the best players we can. Some players we tried to sign but failed."
He added: "The market isn't the most important thing for me, the most important thing for me is the performances, how we can continue to build and get points."
'It was up to me to show what I can do' - Adli on recent startspublished at 08:40 GMT 6 February
08:40 GMT 6 February
Image source, Getty Images
Amine Adli was used predominantly from the bench during his first few months with Bournemouth following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen, but has started the club's past three Premier League games and contributed to a four-match unbeaten league run.
The Morocco international winger told BBC Radio Solent: "It was not an easy situation when I first came here, I expected to play more, but in football these things can happen and you need to be ready for everything.
"During that time I was working and showing in training every minute to the coach that I could play more and I deserved to play more. Football is about decisions, you need to respect that and it's on you to do what you can to change the situation.
"We had injuries, players who left, I had this opportunity and it was up to me to show what I can do.
"I think I have performed quite well. I'm happy to have a lot of playing time, I'm feeling better on the pitch and my sensations are better. Now I'm just looking to have the best performances I can."
'Relatively pleased' with January window despite Semenyo exitpublished at 11:22 GMT 5 February
11:22 GMT 5 February
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport senior journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth can be relatively pleased with their January transfer window, in the context that it was a month in which they lost their star player in Antoine Semenyo.
While it may irk some Cherries fans to be reminded of their place in the food chain of English football (and these days, world football), they are not at the stage where they can be considered a "final destination" for elite players.
However, compared to 20 to 30 years ago, their best players are no longer being picked off for below market rates, simply to pay a tax bill or otherwise keep the club in existence.
Succession planning is a large part of any club recruitment team's job and Brazilian teenager Rayan's cameo appearance in Saturday's win at Wolves is already encouraging fans of his potential as Semenyo's long-term successor.
Such planning will now extend to the summer. With Marcos Senesi's contract winding down, and every indication that the Argentina defender will look to exploit free agency and move on, a left-footed central defender would appear to be high on the shopping list.
While the new Squad Cost Ratio regulations favour the bigger clubs – it was no surprise that the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford voted against their introduction – and mean that another big sale or two cannot be ruled out, it will be hoped that the Cherries are not facing the sort of (admittedly high-priced) multiple departures they suffered in the summer of 2025.
With a crucial planning application to expand Vitality Stadium for next season now under scrutiny by the local council, 2026 could also be an important year of off-field progress.
'Our business has been solid and purposeful'published at 12:26 GMT 4 February
12:26 GMT 4 February
Sam Davis Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
After a poor run of results at the end of 2025, January saw Bournemouth improve on their form with some statement wins against Liverpool and Spurs, plus a hard-fought victory at Wolves - a result which has put them just three points off seventh place.
In seasons gone by, it has felt like our transfer activity has often been dictated by recent results.
This time last year, the Cherries had an injury crisis, yet some stunning results seemed to entice us into being very frugal in the market.
This time around, we've had a similar pattern of results and garnering 10 points out of 15 might have taken the pressure off somewhat. However, the need to replace Semenyo was always one of the most urgent requirements and via the acquisition of Rayan Vitor from Vasco Da Gama, we definitely have done that.
Early signs are good, with his pace, power and unpredictability being very much a nod to Antoine.
Elsewhere, Hungarian star Alex Tóth has made an impact already in a couple of showings for the Cherries, where he has looked like an assured midfielder with plenty of energy and character.
Plus, the loan signing of Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas from Lazio (as well as a short-term deal for Fraser Forster) provides Iraola with some goalkeeper cover, and this has already paid dividends with Djordje Petrovic upping his levels since their arrivals.
Overall, our business has been solid and purposeful.
What bodes well for us this time around is that the new signings are ready to play and are of significant quality, as opposed to last season when players were either loaned straight back, or were fringe players at best.
With a noticeable pragmatism in our pressing style recently, Iraola seems to be all too aware of the dreaded second half of the season drop-off, so maybe this managing of intensity, twinned with having "oven-ready" signings as well as players returning from injury, can help keep this squad at an optimal level - and who knows what we might achieve.
Bournemouth keep investing as Iraola contract runs downpublished at 13:02 GMT 3 February
13:02 GMT 3 February
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth were satisfied to sit back on transfer deadline day and watch their Premier League rivals compete for the remaining seven deals.
The Cherries completed four signings; teenage forward Rayan for an initial £24.7m on a five-and-a-half-year contract with a further £5.6m in potential add-ons, midfielder Alex Toth from Ferencvaros for £10.4m, plus goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Christos Mandas, the latter joining on loan from Lazio.
In addition, Bournemouth's versatile right-sided option Alex Jimenez is one appearance away from triggering a £16.4m obligation to buy in his initial loan agreement from AC Milan, with a further £4.3m potentially due in difficult-to-reach add-ons.
Bournemouth were forced to spend after suffering an injury crisis, following a turbulent summer in which three of their first-choice defenders - Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez - left to join Champions League clubs.
The investment of about £390m across two and a half seasons, offset in part by player sales, is designed to demonstrate the club's ambition to compete.
It also comes as the Cherries continue their prolonged efforts to secure a contract extension for manager Andoni Iraola, who has attracted interest from elsewhere, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
It remains unclear if Iraola will sign, with his future potentially going to remain in the air throughout the current campaign.
Bournemouth were considered in a relegation battle in early January when on an 11-game winless run but their form has since improved, leaving them currently 12th in the Premier League and three points off the teams in seventh and eighth places - which would likely see one team qualify for Europe.
Transfer deadline day special showpublished at 12:51 GMT 3 February
12:51 GMT 3 February
Media caption,
Watch back BBC Radio Solent's transfer deadline day special
Watch back BBC Radio Solent's transfer deadline day show which covered all the breaking news and talking points from Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Jono Holmes talks you though all the action as it unfolded, as well as views from expert commentators, pundits and fans.
There was even some special guests from each club that joined the show...
Is Kroupi a great finisher or simply enjoying a hot streak?published at 09:55 GMT 3 February
09:55 GMT 3 February
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi has scored eight goals from an expected goals [xG] of just 3.7 in the Premier League so far this season - only Harry Kane of Bayern Munich is overperforming his xG by more in Europe's top five leagues.
While 32-year-old Kane has consistently overperformed his xG long enough for us to know he's a great finisher, we can't yet say the same for 19-year-old Kroupi. Is he a great finisher too or simply enjoying a fantastic hot streak? Time will tell...
Four of the six hottest finishers in Europe's top five leagues so far this season are in the Premier League (Kroupi, Antoine Semenyo, Harry Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes) - with the others being Kane and Vedat Muriqi, who is currently second in La Liga's scoring charts.
This is your Bournemouth page. Hit follow if you're on the website and you'll see more Cherries content when you visit us. On the app? Hit the bell icon and select news alerts. We'll then send you the best bits.
Bournemouth have already been busy so relax for deadline daypublished at 08:20 GMT 2 February
08:20 GMT 2 February
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth are widely expected to have concluded their winter business after signing four players - more than any other Premier League club so far.
Their final potential deal had been an initial loan move for Inter Milan defender Luis Henrique, but it was dependent on the Italian club bringing in reinforcements who have not arrived at the San Siro.
As a result, the Cherries are not actively pursuing further signings, though they remain open to doing business should an opportunity arise.
What fans want on deadline daypublished at 07:30 GMT 2 February
07:30 GMT 2 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
Adam: Would love a bit more cover at centre-back. We're always a couple of injuries away from disaster.
Don: We need to concentrate on our defence. We do not have enough reserve in case of injury, and Senesi will surely be leaving in the summer. Only player I would let go is Unal. The newcomers look great.
Peter: Bournemouth could sign a centre-back if the right player is available. Senesi is leaving at the end of June so we could have the chance to bed in another defender.
Howard: So happy with all the business done in January. New addition Rayan looks like some player. At Bournemouth, almost every signing becomes a great player!
Bob: We need a sergeant-major in the centre of defence and a big bully, not a another lightweight attacker.
Northern Cherry: Need additions at the back. Mainly right-back and possibly another centre-back
Follow transfer deadline daypublished at 07:01 GMT 2 February
07:01 GMT 2 February
Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.
The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.
It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.
Bryce: Fosun has managed to assemble a Championship-level squad with Premier League money a year too early. Utter shambles. It's not the players fault. Most are playing a league higher than they should be- and those with the quality have been AWOL too often. You aren't bottom because you're unlucky - not by the distance we are.
George: Wolves had more chances, but scored no goals; Bournemouth had fewer chances, but got two goals. Just not good enough.
Frank: Wolves' basics are there. We will get relegated but we must fight until it's a mathematical certainty. We have the manager and players working in harmony to virtually guarantee promotion from a notoriously difficult league to get promotion from. We MUST hang on to the manager and playing staff. Without that, I can only foresee Wolves in the wilderness.
Glyn: Just when I thought we were beginning to turn the corner to some degree and could have possible got three points against a depleted Bournemouth team. Awful is only way I can describe it. The first goal came from a woeful pass on the edge of the 18-yard box - and couple this with a host of missed opportunities in front of goal, most of which my 10-year-old grandson could have put away. I feel we have descended to a new performance level after what has been an encouraging run of late. I can't wait for this nightmare to end!
Bournemouth fans
Dave: What a relief! Such exciting football. Well done, Cherries! We are on our way again. We've got a squad full of top-flight players and the greatest manager. Up the Cherries!
Malcolm: A workman-like performance against a decent Wolves team. Rayan looked so composed coming on as sub - have we unearthed another gem? Super strike from Kroupi, who I predict to be our top goal scorer this season.
Clive: Kroupi not even mentioned as a youngster to follow at the beginning of the season - what a stunning strike! Clawing our way up the table. One more signing, and return of the injured, and the possibilities are endless!
Matt: A long journey up to watch the match was rewarded with a battling performance to get the win. Kroupi is a real gem. Some great saves from Petrovic and good to see Rayan - the Beast from Brazil - getting his debut and creating the second.
Image source, Getty Images
