AFC Bournemouth have completed their first signing of the summer; a former Real Madrid striker makes the move to the south coast ahead of the club’s maiden European campaign.
Álvaro Rodríguez was first linked with a move to the Cherries around six weeks ago, and that deal has now been concluded.
Officially, the 22-year-old has signed a “long-term deal”, whilst a transfer fee was not revealed.
But it has been widely reported that AFC Bournemouth and Spanish La Liga side Elche have agreed a £ 21 million deal, which also includes potential add-ons and a sell-on clause, with Rodríguez signing a five-year contract at Dean Court.
🧨 Álvaro Rodríguez is back in Bournemouth today and has met boss Marco Rose and his new teammates ahead of his move from Elche.
The 22-year-old is close to completing his £21 million move, the final part of his medical & paperwork is being completed today.
Keep an eye out… 👀
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) July 14, 2026
A formidable figure, standing at 6ft 4″, Rodríguez was born in Palamos in Spain and has come through the youth ranks at Global Palamós, before moving to Gironès-Sàbat, Girona and then, six years ago, Real Madrid.
Whilst with Real Madrid, he played for Real Madrid Castilla, also known as Real Madrid B. He featured in the Spanish third tier for three seasons, making 79 appearances and scoring 21 goals.
He would also make appearances for Real Madrid’s first team during this period. 10 to be exact, and scored his first and only goal for Real Madrid when he came on as a late substitute in the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabéu, scoring a late equaliser against Atlético Madrid.
During this time, he also represented Spain Under-18s in the Mediterranean Games, making three appearances and scoring once. But he would later represent Uruguay at Under-20 level, scoring five goals in eight appearances.
He has formally committed his international future to Uruguay, but is yet to make a full international appearance.
In August 2024, Rodríguez was sent out on loan to Getafe to gain more La Liga experience; he made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
12 months ago, he left Real Madrid for La Liga side Elche, for a reported fee of €2 million. He had been linked with numerous clubs in Spain during this period, including Levante and Rayo Vallecano, as well as a potential move abroad to RB Leipzig, who at the time were managed by Marco Rose.
In an impressive season in Spain’s top flight, Rodríguez made 34 La Liga appearances (24 starts and 2,201 minutes of football); he scored 7 goals and claimed 5 assists. A goal involvement of 1 in every 183 minutes of football.
But whilst Elche have made a huge profit from their striker, for just one season of football. Real Madrid will receive 50% of the deal, claiming a minimum of €12.5 million, which could rise to €15 million.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk on Tuesday, Rodriguez said…
“It feels like a great privilege to be here. I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League, and now, on my birthday, that dream has become reality.
“It has been a dream since I was a child. When my agent told me Bournemouth were interested, I couldn’t believe it.
“Everything I’ve experienced so far has prepared me for this next chapter, and now I want to keep improving and show what I can do.”
Also speaking to the club’s official website, AFC Bournemouth Head of Football Operations Tiago Pinto said…
“We’re really pleased to strengthen our attacking options with such a talented young forward.
“For someone so young, Álvaro already has a good amount of experience at a very high level and arrives after playing an important role for Elche in La Liga last season. We believe he has outstanding pedigree and enormous potential, while also being capable of making an immediate impact as we prepare for an exciting campaign that includes European football.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing him continue his development under Marco.”
Your say…
SorryRoger posted…
More likely a direct replacement for Unal and, potentially, an eventual competitor for the number nine slot with Evanilson. He seems to have the attributes of a mobile centre forward who pulls defenders around, brings others into play and is a useful outball.
Edited to add that, with a headband, he’s clearly the Uruguayan Trevor Aylott. – To join the conversation, please click here.
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DJ
I have been a writer and website administrator on the largest AFC Bournemouth fan website for almost 25 years. Previously on a now defunct fan network and since 2005 on vitalfootball.co.uk We have been nominated for various fan website awards down the years, however we have always been the bridesmaid…