Midfielder Alex Scott has signed for Bournemouth from Bristol City, but a knee injury will prevent him from making his Premier League debut immediately.
Nigel Pearson, the Robins' manager, confirmed on Wednesday evening that Scott had been given permission to speak with the Premier League team, and both clubs announced on Thursday that the transfer had been completed.
The 19-year-old, who was named the Sky Bet Championship’s young player of the season for 2022-23, had attracted plenty of attention from Premier League clubs for his standout performances.
Scott, whose move to the Cherries is believed to be worth in excess of £20 million, missed Bristol City’s opening two matches of the new season because of a swollen knee.
In announcing the move, Bournemouth confirmed scans on Scott’s knee problem revealed the injury to be “more significant than was initially reported” and the midfielder was now set for a “period of rehabilitation” before he will join up with his new team-mates.
Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake feels the club have landed “one of the most exciting young players in Europe”.
Blake said on the Bournemouth club website: “He’s a player that has vast experience at such a young age with strong technical ability and a really good footballing brain.
“Alex will be an excellent fit in our system, and we’re excited to see him continue to develop under Andoni’s (Iraola) management.”
Guernsey-born Scott made his senior debut in April 2021 and scored five Championship goals in 83 appearances during his time at Ashton Gate.
Scott has also represented England at youth level, including making three appearances at this year’s Under-20 World Cup.
Bournemouth – who appointed Spaniard Iraola as manager in June after sacking Gary O’Neil – will start the new Premier League season at home against West Ham on Saturday.
The Cherries later announced England Under-21s right-back Max Aarons had completed his move from Norwich.
Aarons, 23, had also been in talks with Leeds, managed by former Canaries head coach Daniel Farke, but instead opted for a switch to the south coast in a deal reported to be worth £7m.
Writing on Twitter, Aarons – who won the Championship title twice with Norwich – said: “I want to say the biggest thank you to Daniel Farke, the man who gave me my debut and believed in me.
“The last few days have been a whirlwind and I’m massively grateful for everything he has done for me and wish him the biggest success moving forward.
“I look back on these last five years with a huge smile, knowing I gave absolutely everything to this club. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but the time is right for me to move on to a new chapter.”
