Another Premier League meeting between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United represents a reunion for Eddie Howe with his ex-employers and highlights many more unique connections between the two clubs.
Over the years, several players have donned the colours of both Bournemouth and Newcastle.
In this article, VAVEL takes a closer look at five players who have played for both Bournemouth and Newcastle, leaving their mark at both clubs along the way.
Matt Ritchie was instrumental in Bournemouth’s rise to the Premier League.
Joining the club in League One, Ritchie played a crucial role in securing two promotions, including their historic first season in the Premier League.
His impact was immediate, scoring 15 goals during the Championship-winning 2014-15 season, which earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season.
Ritchie’s career began at Portsmouth, where he joined their academy at age 13. Despite early promise, he made just seven senior appearances for Pompey, gaining experience through loan spells.
The Scottish winger moved to relegated Newcastle in 2016 and signed a five-year deal. He helped Rafael Benítez return to the Premier League at the first time of asking picking up his second Championship title.
He was a mainstay in Newcastle's side for two seasons, but injuries later limited his appearances.
Ritchie also showcased his versatility by adapting to roles as a wing-back and full-back.
After two injury-hit seasons, Ritchie rejoined Portsmouth in the summer of 2024, returning after 13 years away.
Gosling was also part of Bournemouth’s squad during their promotion to the Premier League.
Joining the club in 2014, he made over 150 appearances across seven years.
His contributions included crucial goals and solid midfield performances, supporting Bournemouth’s rise from the Championship and their subsequent Premier League campaigns.
Gosling began his professional career at Plymouth Argyle before moving to Everton, where he gained top-flight experience.
After his time at Everton, he transferred to Newcastle in 2010. On the Tyne, Gosling struggled to secure a regular spot, making only 24 appearances over his four-year tenure.
Following his stint at Newcastle, Gosling joined Bournemouth in 2014, where he became a key figure in their midfield.
After leaving Bournemouth, he had a brief period at Watford, though his playing time was limited over his two-and-a-half years there.
Gosling then signed a short-term deal with Notts County last year. Following his release from Notts County, he dropped down to the 11th tier to join Sussex side Westfield, a club where former Bournemouth player Steve Cook has a stake at and Charlie Daniels has also signed.
Alongside his playing career, Gosling contributes to football development as a coach for Watford’s Under-21s.
Callum Wilson has made a significant impact at both Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
Joining Bournemouth in 2014 from Coventry City for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £3 million, Wilson quickly established himself as a prolific striker.
He was the main striker during Bournemouth's promotion-winning 2014-15 season, scoring an impressive 20 goals. Wilson made an immediate impression, netting on his debut for the club.
His career, however, has been marred by injury setbacks. Wilson suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee in 2015, and later, another ACL injury in his left knee in 2017, which affected his playing time.
Despite these challenges, Wilson achieved a notable milestone by making his debut for England while at Bournemouth and scoring on his first appearance, becoming the first Bournemouth player to score for England while with the club.
In 2020, Wilson transferred to Newcastle United for £20 million. At Newcastle, he continued to showcase his striking prowess, scoring 47 goals in 97 appearances in the Premier League
This means that he is now second in the Newcastle all-time Premier League goalscoring record, only trailing Alan Shearer.
Unfortunately, Wilson will miss the upcoming match against Bournemouth due to a back injury, marking another setback in his career.
After signing his first professional contract with his boyhood club, Bristol City, Kelly quickly made a name for himself and was named the club's Young Player of the Year for the 2017-18 season.
His impressive performances attracted attention, leading to a transfer to Bournemouth in 2019 for a fee reported to be around £13 million.
At Bournemouth, Kelly had a significant impact, showcasing his versatility as both a left-back and centre-back. Over his five years with the club, he made over 100 appearances.
His strong performances, combined with his leadership qualities, led to him being appointed club captain in the 2021-22 season, succeeding Cook.
Despite Bournemouth’s relegation from the Premier League, Kelly remained loyal to the club, playing a crucial role in their immediate return to the top flight. He made 41 appearances out of 46 in the Championship that season, contributing significantly to the team’s runners-up finish.
In the summer of 2024, Kelly moved to Newcastle on a free transfer, reuniting with his former manager Eddie Howe. After many defensive injuries last season for Newcastle, Howe will hope that Kelly can provide depth as well as quality to the side.
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Ryan Fraser
Fraser, at the time of writing this article, is still a Newcastle player but is heavily linked with a return to Southampton, where he spent last season on loan, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.
Fraser joined Bournemouth in 2013 from Aberdeen, where he quickly made a name for himself with his speed, creativity, and relentless work ethic.
His standout performances, particularly during the 2018-2019 Premier League season, where he contributed 14 assists, were pivotal in Bournemouth's successful campaigns.
However, Fraser’s time at Bournemouth turned sour when he declined a short-term playing extension with the club in 2020 after the season resumed following the COVID-19 suspension.
Earlier that year, he had admitted that he "didn't play for the team," a statement that did not sit well with many Cherries fans.
This perceived lack of commitment and refusal to extend his contract left a sour taste in the mouths of supporters who had once admired his contributions on the pitch.
In 2020, Fraser moved to Newcastle on a free transfer after Bournemouth’s relegation from the Premier League. He has made 53 appearances at the club but has since been found out of favour with Howe and went out on loan last season.
Even though a few of these players have moved on from Newcastle, Bournemouth look set to face a couple of familiar faces in the management team of Howe and Jason Tindall as well as Kelly who could play his first game against the south coast side since leaving in the summer.
