The Missing Piece: Should Bournemouth Invest in the Goalkeeping Position this Summer?

Ahead of Bournemouth’s third consecutive season back in the Premier League, conversation is rife around potential transfers and where recruitment priorities should lie. 

Often mentioned has been the goalkeeping department, who, failed to impress supporters on numerous occasions last year, despite the club having a productive season. 

Talk about transfers for the goalkeeping position has been thin, in fact almost non-existent - apart from the acquisition of young New Zealander, Alex Paulsen, from Wellington Phoenix, but even he is expected to leave on loan.

So, are Bournemouth paying enough attention to such an important position and is it the one position holding the Cherries back from reaching new heights under Andoni Iraola?   

Neto 

The Cherries’ number one in goal, Neto was almost ever-present for Bournemouth last season, missing just six games. 

The 2022/23 Premier League season saw him named on the shortlist for Club Player of the Season such was the quality of his performances and in a season where the Cherries really needed a decent shot-stopper at the back, Neto stepped up and made big saves when needed, helping to keep his team up. 

But last season saw a different kind of Neto - a Neto that did not look as confident and assured as what he did during his maiden season, which has led to questions being asked of his future. 

Errors against the likes of Wolves, Everton and Sheffield United that directly led to goals has seen criticism build over the season, feeling as if the Brazilian could not catch a break. 

But is the criticism he receives fair? 

According to FootyStats, Neto’s two seasons at the club have been almost the same: 

So, what can be learned from these numbers? 

Well, in general, Neto has performed consistently over the last two campaigns and, arguably, for a team that has finished 15th and 12th, he has performed as expected. 

Yes, there have been mistakes but when you are a goalkeeper, mistakes are so much more costly and visible, so criticism will arise. 

Questions have also been asked over his aerial ability and dominance within the box, as he often hesitated or refused to come for crosses into the box, leading to more complaints. 

But at the same time, Neto has produced big saves against Burnley, Manchester United and Newcastle to win important points and his passion for the game and club cannot be called into question. 

Plus, Bournemouth were ridden with injuries last season, especially in defence, leading to a lack of consistency at the back in a very attacking, chaotic system, which is not particularly helpful for creating any sense of defensive stability.  

So, should Bournemouth fans expect more from their ‘keeper or should they expect more of the same? 

Bournemouth’s defensive qualities have never been particularly stunning in any of their Premier League seasons and perhaps to reach the new heights Chairman Bill Foley has spoken of, it is time to invest heavily in the goalkeeping position and take the team up the league. 

Mark Travers 

A player who was brought into the youth set up in 2016, Bournemouth fans have long been familiar with the Irishman, who played a pivotal role in getting the club promoted back into the Premier League in 2021/22. 

Mark Travers, when called upon, has never let the fans or club down and has put in some excellent performances, like his Premier League and Bournemouth debut in a 1-0 against Tottenham in 2019. 

But since Bournemouth’s promotion season, Travers has not featured much in the starting eleven, playing just 16 games over the last two seasons. 

And maybe it is a sign of Travers’ position within the club currently. 

As has been said, Travers has been a great servant to the club and he is well-respected for that but for where the club wants to go, it may just be a step too far for him. 

There have been a few games where he has looked a little inexperienced with his decision making, for example, and whilst at a Championship-level Travers thrives, when you are playing in the Premier League you need to bring your A-game just to keep up and draw level with other teams. 

Bournemouth fans may be unsurprised if he does end up leaving but at 25 years old, he has his whole career ahead of him and the club should not stand in the way if he wants to leave. 

What Bournemouth need from a goalkeeper

For Andoni Iraola’s system, Bournemouth need their goalkeeper to be as good with their feet as with their hands. 

Iraola likes to play football from the back but he is not afraid to go long if the opposition’s press is high, which is something seen a lot of last season. 

Distribution has been a bit of an issue in games, with neither Neto or Travers shrouding themselves in glory when it came to distribution, whether that be short or long. 

Moreover, Iraola’s ‘organised chaos’ requires a ‘keeper to always be alert and to expect quick turnovers, such is the nature of playing fast, attacking football. 

Possible transfer options  

So with all this chat of goalkeepers, who would be a good option for Bournemouth? 

Caoimhín Kelleher

With Álisson’s long absence for Liverpool last season, the door of opportunity opened for Kelleher and he snatched it up. 

Starring in Liverpool’s League Cup victory, Kelleher has played football under Jürgen Klopp, a similar style to Iraola, which demands alert shot-stopping and perfect distribution. 

Kelleher is expected to leave Liverpool this summer and would be a great fit for Bournemouth, even if he did cost a pretty penny. 

Aaron Ramsdale 

A huge fan favourite, Aaron Ramsdale needs no introduction to Bournemouth fans, who became enamoured with the young goalkeeper during his time on the south coast. 

Ramsdale, like Kelleher, is expected to leave his club and with interest coming from Southampton, it is not unrealistic to think he could return to Bournemouth. 

His quality is undeniable, despite having a tough time at Arsenal, so if he came back he would be welcomed with open arms and big smiles. 

David de Gea 

This is about good options for Bournemouth, no one said they had to be realistic. 

But seriously, this exceptional Spanish goalkeeper has been without a club for a long time now and one can only assume his wage demands are getting in the way of a transfer. 

De Gea does come with his imperfections but it should not take away from his experience and quality, which if possible, should be considered.