Bournemouth have been linked to Joakim Maehle as they go head to head with Wolfsburg for his signature
The Cherries have had a £12 million bid rebuffed by Atalanta and may go back in with a better offer to entice the Denmark international to the Vitality.
Initially reported by Fabrizio Romano, should Bournemouth sign Maehle?
Who is Joakim Maehle?
Maehle started his career at Aalborg BK where he spent a single year as a professional footballer, making 24 appearances, before a £1 million move to Genk.
It took until his second season to secure a first team place as he grew into a key player for the Belgian side. He won the Belgium Championship in this year also.
In late 2020, Atalanta signed the Dane for £10 million and has gone onto make 80 appearances in three years.
Arguably he’s most memorable, in England anyway, for his performances in the 2020 European Championships.
He started in all of Denmark’s game’s under Kasper Hjulmand as they surprisingly progressed to the semi-final, losing to England at Wembley.
What would Joakim Maehle add to Bournemouth?
He is a versatile player who can play at left and right back, as a full back and a wing back too.
Despite being 26-years-old he would come with a raft of experience at the highest level, from Champions League with Atalanta or Euro’s semi-finals with Denmark.
In a younger and less experienced side this kind of factor can not be overlooked.
With young defenders Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez coming in, Maehle would be a good option to offset their youth, while being at a peak age himself.
The Cherries conceded the most goals from set pieces in the Premier League last season, something which can’t continue realistically.
With Maehle standing at six foot one, he could be ideal for defending and attacking set pieces to help add more height and solidity.
At £13 million there are many benefits to having him in and around the squad at the Vitality and would be well worth a go at that price.