Cherries

WITH the signing of Alex Jimenez on a permanent basis last month, the Cherries moved past €450million spent on players in the past two and a half years.

It is a significant investment for the club that is reaping its rewards on the pitch – and, often, off the pitch, with Bournemouth seeing success in selling players for huge profits.

In that same time, they have sold players for a total €378m, according to Transfermarkt data, a net spend of around €72m.

Pinto 'on radar' of relegation-threatened Spurs for vacant sporting director role

Christie scared to watch missed chance back as Cherries 'just lack goal' in Bees draw

Cherries paid £10m to buy back Dean Court, as document reveals expansion plans cost

Cherries incorporate new company for women's team with sole share 'bought for 1p'

Tavernier impresses as Cherries miss chances in draw with Brentford - player ratings

Since Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football Club took over the club in December 2024, the Bournemouth squad’s value has soared.

The company has been clear in its aims to invest smartly in the squad and it has seen success in doing so.

Their recent strategy of investing in young players with potential who are perhaps more unproven at the top level has paid dividends.

President of football operations Tiago Pinto, with Dean Huijsen and technical director Simon Francis. (Image: Richard Crease)

The likes of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez joined the club as teenagers, before moving onto Champions League clubs for large profits.

BKFC say they have now transitioned from “a net buyer” of players when the company first bought the club, to a more balanced approach, with a company presentation document detailing the aim to become a “net seller” of players.

In their first transfer window at the club, the Cherries bought in Illia Zabarnyi, Antoine Semenyo and Dango Ouattara for €65.75m, per Transfermarkt. Those three players were sold for a combined €177.8m this season.

The summer window of 2023 saw them sign Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, Justin Kluivert and Kerkez, among others, spending €129.89m that summer.

In a BKFC company overview presentation, published on the Cannae Holdings, Inc. website, it says: “Since acquiring AFCB, significant investment has been made in player acquisitions, particularly in the winter 2022/23 and summer 2023/24 transfer windows, to build player assets and improve the team.

Antoine Semenyo left the club for Man City in January. (Image: Richard Crease)

“As a result, the squad’s value increased from ~€150M to ~€430M (per Transfermarkt data), reflecting both improved performance and player development.

“In the two most recent transfer windows (summer 2025/26 and winter 2025/26), AFCB has had a much more balanced approach to player sales and acquisitions.

“According to Tifosy transfer reports, AFCB ranked number two in the world in each of the last two transfer windows in terms of net income generated from player trading.

“Moving forward, AFCB will continue to employ a balanced acquisition and sales strategy, having transitioned from being a net buyer of players due to limited assets at the time of acquisition to now having sufficient assets for profitable player sales.

“This strategy will reduce capital requirements, with the goal of eventually becoming a net seller of players. Additionally, the multi-club player development model will further lower capital needs over time.”

Inside the domed indoor training pitch at the Cherries' performance centre. (Image: Richard Crease)

The strategy in recent windows has been clear – buy young talents and develop them. A key part of the Cherries’ strategy going forward, with a focus on youth, is their academy.

The same document states that the aim is to see the academy achieve Category 1 status within two years, which will see huge benefits for the club and its youth sides.

That includes a greater pull in bringing in young talent from across the country, with players able to develop at the highest possible academy level.

The document continued: “A core pillar of the strategy is developing high-potential players and realizing value either within the BKFC network or through sales to leading global clubs.

“Summer transfer fees exceeded £200M, and an independent study ranked AFC Bournemouth second highest in all of Europe in terms of net player trading income generated in 2025/26.”

Bournemouth’s January business continued this trend, with the signings of Alex Toth and Rayan, aged 20 and 19 respectively.

In the latter, in particular, the club believe they have signed a huge talent, including a €100m release clause in the forward’s deal.

Every signing this season, aside from the arrival of free agent Fraser Forster on a short-term deal, has been on a player aged 25 or younger when signed.

With high-profile departures to the likes of Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool and Manchester City this term, for large fees, the strategy is working. Cherries fans will hope it will continue to see the same success for the club on and off the pitch.