Rodríguez began his medical in Dorset earlier in July, but negotiations between the clubs were not yet finalised and they have since been completed on a £21million deal plus bonuses and a sell-on clause.
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The Cherries, it is understood, were keen to ensure that the signing had been thorough, and, with no upcoming competitive games, they were able to take their time on the move. He has signed a five-year deal on the south coast.
Rodríguez is seen as a young prospect to bring energy and competitiveness to the club’s striker unit, and he is not a Junior Kroupi replacement, with the young Frenchman not for sale.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth)
Bournemouth have been tracking Rodríguez for a while and he is, coincidentally, a player who new boss Marco Rose knows well after trying to sign him previously when at RB Leipzig.
The Uruguayan complements first-choice striker Evanilson, as more of a number nine with greater physicality, and he brings a different profile to the group.
With Enes Unal likely to depart Bournemouth this summer, Rodríguez arrives to provide competition and a different option for Rose as they look to improve the squad ahead of the challenge of a first season in Europe.
Rodríguez, who turns 22 today, told afcb.co.uk: “It feels a big privilege to be here. I always wanted to play in the Premier League and now, it’s the day of my birthday, and I can do this for real.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth)
“This was a dream since I was a child and when my agent told me that Bournemouth was interested, I couldn’t believe it.
“All the experience I have is important for this chapter and I want to improve here with those things in my locker.”
Head of football operations, Tiago Pinto, added: "We’re really pleased to add to our attacking options with such a talented, young forward.
“For a 21-year-old, Álvaro has a good amount of games under his belt at a very good level, and he arrives here having played a big role for Elche in La Liga last season. We believe he has excellent pedigree and big potential, while he will help the team throughout all the excitement of European football next year.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth)
“We look forward to seeing him join the group and how he will continue to develop with Marco’s coaching.”
Rodríguez progressed through the Real Madrid academy after joining from Girona in 2020, and he moved into the first team, and he made ten appearances for the Spanish giants in the 2022/23 and 23/24 seasons.
He went on loan to Getafe for the 24/25 season, where he got good game time in La Liga, making 22 appearances in the league, 15 off the bench, and scoring twice.
Rodríguez also netted once in the Copa del Rey as Getafe reached the quarter-finals, as he scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win against Pontevedra, before he was shown a straight red card after 41 minutes.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth)
A move to Elche came in the summer of 2025, where he became a regular and started 24 times in La Liga, and made ten appearances off the bench.
He scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 league appearances for the club last season, and scored against both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
A Spanish youth international at U18 level, Rodríguez switched national allegiances in 2022 to play for Uruguay and he has represented the South American nation at U20 level.
His father, Coquito, and great uncle, Clímaco Rodríguez, were both footballers.