Bournemouth are preparing to make an offer for Youssef Chermiti.
According to Portuguese publication Record, Bournemouth are set to try and sign Sporting striker Youssef Chermiti this summer. Sporting are said to want €20 million for Chermiti, which equates to around £17 million. On top of that, they will demand a 20% sell-on clause.
Andoni Iraola will certainly be keen to bring additional firepower to the Vitality Stadium in this transfer window. The Cherries did brilliantly to avoid relegation from the Premier League last season, but they often lacked a clinical edge going forward.
Bringing Chermiti to the south coast could certainly go a long way to solving those issues, but it’s a move that carries significant risk.
Who is Youssef Chermiti?
Whilst the 19-year-old is undoubtedly a huge talent, he may well not be ready for the top flight of English football. If Bournemouth are considering this move with a mind to loan the youngster out to gain experience elsewhere then that demonstrates laudable ambition, but would be a bold use of the club’s limited funds.
Expecting Chermiti to hit the ground running in the Premier League would be a big ask. The 19-year-old only broke into the Sporting senior team last season. The Portugal under-19 international made 16 appearances in the Primeira Liga, scoring 3 goals.
Chermiti has huge potential, but it would be hard for Iraola to justify such a hefty investment in the 6’4” forward at this stage in Bournemouth’s journey if he fails to make the grade in England.