AFC Bournemouth have confirmed the signing of Julio Soler from Argentinian side Lanús.
The 19-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Cherries, joining in a deal rumoured to be worth around £12m
The Argentine becomes Bournemouth's second signing of the Januuary window after the club announced the signing of American teenager Matai Akinmboni from DC United.
Soler has quickly made a name for himself in South America, gaining interest from Liverpool and Manchester United. However, following their strong start to the season, it was Bournemouth who moved quickest to secure his signature.
After having one natural left-back in the senior squad for the first half of the season, it is now understood that Soler will provide competition and depth behind Milos Kerkez for Iraola's side.
Nevertheless, Bournemouth will also see the Argentine as a potential successor to Kerkez due to interest and rumours surrounding the Hungarian's future.
Were rumours to become reality, Soler could be seen the club's long-term left full-back.
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Playing style
Since Bill Foley's takeover of the club, Bournemouth have gambled on investing in youth and using a similar scouting model to Brighton & Hove Albion, of fifinding profitable, unknown gems.
Paraguyan-born Soler is no exception to this, having made 58 appearances for Argentinian club Lanús since his professional debut in 2022, while also representing Argentina at youth level.
The 19-year-old offers Bournemouth a similar skillset to Kerkez in the way that he progresses forward and chooses to attack from defence.
Soler can either operate as a left-back or left wing-back, making runs down his wing in the form of an under or overlap to create space or opportunities.
The 19-year-old has made 19 appearances in the Liga Professional this season, averaging 32.2 successful passes, 0.78 chances created, 0.72 successful crosses, 0.72 successful dribbles, and 67.6 touches per 90 minutes.
On the other hand, despite being predominantly strong when going forward, Soler is also very capable when it comes to his defensive duties.
Within his 19 league outings, the left-back has averaged 5.22 recoveries and 1.78 interceptions per 90, also winning 70.6% of his tackles and 59.8% of his duels.
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First words
“I am very happy. It is something I longed for and it is a very important step for me,” Soler told afcb.co.uk upon his arrival in Dorset.
“I think I chose [Bournemouth] because they showed me a lot of affection the first moment they contacted me. I didn't choose it, they chose me and I'm happy to be here.”
Upon his arrival, the Cherries sit seventh place in the Premier League table with key fixtures against Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to follow.
“As Argentines, I think they know it. That we give everything.
“All the effort will be for them and to leave the club higher.”
Alongside his move to the Premier League, Soler was also called up into the Argentina squad for the CONMEBOL Sudamericano Sub-20 tournament in Venezuela later this month.
The 19-year-old was formerly called up to the senior squad in October 2024 and involved in the 2024 Olympic Games for his country, starting every group game.
However, Soler is yet to gain his first cap in Lionel Scaloni’s senior squad.
With the arrival of Soler on the south coast, it is clear that it is not only the Argentine full-back who is delighted for his move.
Key members of the Bournemouth hierarchy have also been expressing their excitement.
“We are delighted to welcome Julio to AFC Bournemouth," the club's president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, told afcb.co.uk.
“He is someone we have monitored closely and have been extremely impressed by his progress.”
Technical director Simon Francis also stated: “Julio is another talented young player who arrives highly sought after and we are pleased to have added him to our squad.
“With the way Andoni and his staff improve exciting prospects, we look forward to seeing Julio’s progress with us."
