Bournemouth head into the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign riding high after setting a club-record Premier League points tally last season.
However, their hopes of pushing for European qualification this time around have been dampened by a major defensive overhaul.
The Cherries have seen almost their entire back line depart this window. Centre-backs Illia Zabarnyi (PSG) and Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), left-back Milos Kerkez (Liverpool), and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (Arsenal) have all moved on. In total, the club has generated over 150 million pounds in transfer fees.
While that windfall has been reinvested – bringing in the likes of left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea – it remains uncertain whether the new arrivals can seamlessly replace such key departures.
Bournemouth fixtures 2025:
August 15: Liverpool v Bournemouth
August 23: Bournemouth v Wolves
August 30: Tottenham v Bournemouth
September 13: Bournemouth v Brighton
September 20: Bournemouth v Newcastle
Andoni Iraola’s side kick off their campaign with a daunting visit to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool – a tough test for any team, especially one still integrating a rebuilt defence.
Their first home game, against Wolves, offers a more favourable opportunity to pick up points and settle into the season. But the challenge quickly ramps up again with a trip to North London to face a high-scoring Tottenham side.
September features two key home fixtures that could shape Bournemouth’s early momentum – Brighton and Newcastle – two clubs also eyeing European contention. These games will serve as an early litmus test for the new-look squad.
Manager Iraola has struck a cautious tone in pre-season, admitting some players are not yet at the level required.
“Our approach is quite aggressive. Everyone has to play their part,” Iraola said. “When three, four, five players are not in their best moment, we struggle collectively. Everyone looks worse. We have some players in a great place right now, others are not at the level required.”
If the new signings can hit the ground running, the Cherries could again exceed expectations. But with a reshuffled defence and challenging opening fixtures, expect some early-season turbulence.
Bournemouth standings – Historic log positions
2020/21 – 6th (Championship)
2021/22 – 2nd (Championship – promoted)
2022/23 – 15th
2023/24 – 12th
2024/25 – 9th
