Andoni Iraola confirms Neto remains AFC Bournemouth captain
NETO will remain as Cherries captain this season under new head coach Andoni Iraola, it has been confirmed.
The Brazilian goalkeeper joined Cherries last summer from European giants Barcelona, establishing himself as number one under
Gary O’Neil after starting life on the bench under Scott Parker.
In February, it was announced that Neto had been named club captain by O’Neil, with Lloyd Kelly, who had been appointed skipper by
Parker, stripped of the armband.
Iraola also confirmed that long-serving Adam Smith would remain in his post as vice-captain, a role he served under both Parker and O’Neil.
Neto wore the captain’s armband throughout pre-season and again donned it for the season opener against West Ham.
Iraola had previously stated that he was considering the captaincy during pre-season, with a final decision communicated to the
players ahead of the new campaign.
The Spaniard told the Daily Echo: “It’s going to continue being Neto as captain.
“It’s going to be Adam Smith, as vice-captain.
“I think it’s no surprise for anyone because they are in a very young team.
“I think we need this kind of experience that both can give us.”
Cherries travel to Liverpool this afternoon (3pm) for their second game under Iraola, having drawn with West Ham on the opening day.
READ MORE:
Chelsea target finally finds next club after transfer falls through
Leeds United’s Tyler Adams is set for a return to the Premier League after Chelsea opted to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Romeo Lavia from Southampton.
USMNT and Leeds United star Tyler Adams is set to join Bournemouth after failing to secure a contract with Chelsea. The midfielder
will make a return to the Premier League, after suffering relegation to the Championship last season, despite it not being with the
American’s first choice club.
The fee agreed for Adams, as reported by The Athletic, is in the region of £23 million plus add-ons. Bournemouth have since
progressed the deal with a medical imminently scheduled.
The transfer hasn’t been without its complications with both teams locked in a stand off earlier in the week. Adams had a relegation
release clause of £20m which Bournemouth had agreed, but Leeds maintained the clause had expired.
With talks continuing following lengthy contract negotiations both teams have since found an acceptable middle ground. The 24-year-
old is now due to sign a five-year deal on England’s south coast.
Although all loose ends have been tied up, Bournemouth are believed not to have been Adams first choice. The midfielder instead
wanted to secure a move to Chelsea who have since invested in alternative options.
Adams had even made the trip to London last week in order to secure a move to Mauricio Pochettino’s team, which failed to
materialise. Chelsea instead sought two deals on players who would fill Adams’ role in the team.
A £115 Premier League record transfer was agreed with Brighton to sign Ecuadorian footballer Moisés Caicedo on an eight year
contract, with the option to extend for a further year. The Blues also signed Roméo Lavia from relegated Southampton on a £58m deal.
Leave a Reply