The majority of AFC Bournemouth’s summer transfer window has been about a number of big money moves away from the club.
Four of last season’s back five departed the club, recouping in the region of €172.4 in transfer fees, according to Transfermarkt.
Dean Huijsen made the move from the Cherries to Real Madrid, after the Spanish giants triggered the £ 50 million release clause ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in America.
Premier League champions Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez in a deal was concluded for a reported £40 million. Illia Zabarnyi moved to UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £54.5 million with a potential €3m in future add-ons.
Whilst goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saw his loan spell end and return, briefly to Chelsea, before being sold to Arsenal.
But with so many high-profile departures, the summer for Cherries fans was always going to be more about who would come in to rebuild that AFC Bournemouth defensive set-up.
Starting in goal and Kepa was replaced with the permanent signing of Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea for €28.90m.
The centre-back pairing of Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen have been replaced by Bafodé Diakité from LOSC Lille for €35 million, who has immediately stepped in alongside Marcos Senesi and made a good first impression.
Then Veljko Milosavljevic from Red Star Belgrade for was added for €15 million.
The 18-year-old, who has signed a five-year deal, won the Serbian SuperLiga last season, making 14 appearances and also has experienced a Champions League play- off game this season.
He has played for Serbia at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 level.
Upon his arrival, the teenager told afcb.co.uk…
“I am very happy to be part of the Bournemouth family. I can’t wait to meet the teammates, staff and fans of the club.
“It was always my dream to play in the Premier League as it is the best league in the world.
“I can’t wait to start working with Andoni Iraola as I’ve seen the progress that young players can make working with him.”
"You can't keep a secret when it comes to transfers? Bournemouth can!"
BREAKING: Bournemouth have signed centre-back Veljko Milosavljević from Red Star Belgrade 🚨 pic.twitter.com/WQSc6aOAKK
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 1, 2025
Left-Back Milos Kerkez was replaced by Adrien Truffert, who arrived from Stade Rennais for €13.50 million.
There was even time to add to the defensive options even further, with Max Aarons departing for Rangers on loan and Álex Jiménez arriving, initially on loan from AC Milan for a €1.50m fee.
Jiménez is 20-years-old and made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Italian side last season.
Joining Milan in 2023 he spent 10 years with Real Madrid, coming through their academy and has represented Spain at under-15, under-17 and under-19 level and was also recently named in the Under-21 set-up.
Following his move, he told afcb.co.uk…
“I’m very happy. I’m excited about this project and that they’ve welcomed me so well. I can’t wait to start training with the team and playing with the team.
“It has always been one of my dreams to play in the Premier League and as long as I can fulfill a dream, I will be happy.”
HELLO DEAL AGREED ! 🔥
Bournemouth have agreed a deal with AC MIlan for defender Alex Jimenez.
It is an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
The player is flying into the UK today to undergo a medical.
Versatile player who came through Madrid’s academy.#afcb
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) August 31, 2025
The reported total spend on permanent transfer fees, according to Transfermarkt, sits at €92.4 million. A profit, in the region of €80 million on defensive players alone. This was also boosted to €85.75 million with the sales of Chris Mepham to West Bromwich Albion and Mark Travers to Everton.
Your say…
Kirsikka wrote…
Excellent news Milosavljević is on board! He adds some height, which was one of the things I was concerned about, depth at centre back and a potential future windfall.
I’d also say it ups the likelihood we could get Senesi to sign a new deal because we haven’t brought in someone who he knows will immediately displace him. – To join this conversation, please click here.
Waz-AFCB posted…
Interesting that Jiménez can play in both full-back positions AND on the wing. Even if Madrid has a buy-back clause, which they take up, then he will have performed so well for us for that to be the case, that it’s kind of a no-brainer. Hopefully, he can break the post Adam Smith right back curse! – To join this conversation, please click here.