Fabrizio Romano has revealed that AFC Bournemouth have completed the agreement to sign Andrei Radu from Inter Milan. He later disclosed that Radu – will undergo his medical at Bournemouth on July 26, 2023, and that the deal is a loan with an option to buy.
[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=”soe/bournemouth” size=”350×300″ site_id=”metabet-website”]
Bournemouth Set to Sign Andrei Radu
Andrei Radu’s Background
Radu is a 26-year-old Romanian goalkeeper – who is currently at Inter Milan and has been for his entire professional career. Radu spent his first loan spell at Avellino in Serie B before two loan stints at Genoa, where he started 50 times in Serie A. The Romanian also played 17 times on loan at Auxerre last season in Ligue 1, giving him plenty of top-flight experience.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano Hands Manchester United Huge Boost in Rasmus Hojlund Chase
He impressively saved two penalties last season and had a 74% save rate. Interestingly he was in the top 18% for length of goal kicks, which will benefit Bournemouth’s fast counter-attacking football.
Watch: What player should each Premier League club sell?
Why Do Bournemouth Need Another Goalkeeper?
Bournemouth’s starting goalkeeper, Neto, has been highly praised by Premier League analysts, so fans may be questioning the decision to sign another goalkeeper.
Departure of Travers
John Percy revealed that Stoke City had agreed a deal for Mark Travers, who is set to undergo a medical. Tom Crocker later disclosed that the deal will be a loan, not a permanent transfer. Travers was the Cherries’ starting goalkeeper in the championship and proved a solid backup during cup games and the rare occasion of Neto’s absence. With ageing Darren Randolph the only other goalkeeper at Bournemouth, Iraola will want a more reliable backup. An experienced yet still youthful Radu is seemingly a great option.
Karl Darlow’s Move to Leeds
Bournemouth were set to sign Karl Darlow from Newcastle for around £6 million, but Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Leeds United are closing in on signing the 32-year-old. With Travers set to return to Bournemouth next summer, a loan move for Radu seems more sensible than a pricey permanent move for Darlow.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano Drops Blues Transfer Update After Reports of Bid for ‘Generational’ Player
Could Radu Become a Starter?
Norberto Neto recently turned 34 years old and may be looking to retire or move to a lower-league team soon. Additionally, the Brazilian is very highly rated. Bournemouth are seemingly on the lookout for a new goalkeeper. Should Radu impress, Bournemouth can activate an option to buy. Conversely, should Travers impress at Stoke, Bournemouth already have their replacement on their books. With Radu only temporarily at the club, there is no difficulty in making Travers their number one.
This deal is perfect for Bournemouth in the short and long term. They have a backup goalkeeper, but there is no risk as he is only on loan. On the other hand, they have the option to buy, and there is a big reward if he impresses. He is the perfect short-term replacement for the 24-year-old and could become a long-term replacement for Neto.
Main image credit: Dom Fellowes, CC BY-2.0.
