AFC Bournemouth have announced the signing of left-back Julio Soler.
The 19-year-old joins from Argentine club Lanus on a long-term contract.
Soler is Bournemouth’s second senior signing of the January 2025 transfer window after Matai Akinmboni joined from DC United, while former Chelsea academy goalkeeper Kai Compton this week joined the Cherries on a professional contract.
Reporting for duty 🫡🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/J5yFOoTV4Z
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 7, 2025
What was said about him?
Bournemouth's president of football operations Tiago Pinto told the club's official website: “We are delighted to welcome Julio to AFC Bournemouth.
“He is someone we have monitored closely and have been extremely impressed by his progress.”
First-team technical director Simon Francis added: “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."
What has Soler said?
Soler says he will "give everything" to take AFC Bournemouth even higher than the seventh position they currently sit in the Premier League table.
“As Argentines, I think they [the fans] know it. That we give everything," he told the club's official website. “All the effort will be for them and to leave the club higher.”
Ready to give his all for the Chez 💪 pic.twitter.com/uhMdqQ8p6l
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 7, 2025
Who is Soler?
Born in Paraguay on 16 February 2005, Soler moved to Argentina at a young age and signed for Lanus as a nine-year-old.
He progressed through the ranks there, and has featured 58 times for Lanus since making his debut in 2022.
Lanus has also represented Argentina at Under-20s level as captain and he was selected for the Paris Olympics squad last summer, making four appearances.
A dynamic and forward-thinking left-back, he is known for his impressive pace and boundless energy.
Bournemouth fans could get a first glimpse of their teenage signing against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. The Cherries follow up with a Premier League fixture at Chelsea on Tuesday 14 January.
