The 21-year-old is a former Chelsea youth product but leaves England for the Bannsiders on a permanent transfer after eight years with Bournemouth.
“Finn is a really good footballer, he’s a great athlete and he just now needs a platform to build his career,” said Higgins. “He had a year left on his contract at Bournemouth but we are delighted to have Finn here on a permanent deal in what is going to be the next stage of his development.
“The fact he spent so long at Bournemouth shows you how highly thought of he was there but there’s an understanding that he needs to find a home in senior football.
Coleraine have announced a deal for Finn Tonks from AFC Bournemouth on a permanent basis. (Photo by Dylan Kirkpatrick/Coleraine FC)placeholder image
Coleraine have announced a deal for Finn Tonks from AFC Bournemouth on a permanent basis. (Photo by Dylan Kirkpatrick/Coleraine FC)
“He’s already had a few senior loans in his career to date and we are looking forward to working with him.”
The Coleraine statement following Tonks’ arrival subject to international clearance included “Tonks started his youth career at Chelsea but was then snapped up by Bournemouth, where he has remained for the last eight years, signing his first professional forms with the club in the summer of 2023”.
It added: “A two-time EFL Youth Alliance winner during his scholarship at the Cherries, the 21-year-old has gained senior experience on loan at several clubs in the National League South.
“However, the right-back is now set for the latest challenge of his career after agreeing terms on a two-year-deal at The Showgrounds.”
Coleraine have also confirmed a return to Watford for Conrad Hunt.