AFC Bournemouth linked with ‘next Szoboszlai’

AFC Bournemouth have been linked with Ferencvaros midfielder Alex Toth as they look to strengthen in the January transfer window.

The 20 year old Hungarian has already played nine times for his country and would add needed depth to Andoni Iraola’s side.

Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam has reported the interest, as well as Sky in Italy.

Tyler Adams remains out for the next couple of months with an MCL injury, whilst Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook have also struggled with knee injuries this season.

That means reinforcement in midfield is desperately needed, and Toth seems a good fit.

Toth is noted for his aggression and intensity off the ball, perfect for Iraola’s high pressing style of football. He is also known for keeping it simple on the ball, similar to the mould of Adams. He has also drawn comparisons to fellow countryman Dominik Szoboszlai, who stars for Liverpool.

Serie A giants Lazio had reportedly been in pole position to secure his services, but it now seems the Cherries have jumped the queue.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio says that this has a knock on effect for another reported Bournemouth target.

Di Marzio says that the Biancocelesti have now set their sights on Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabian, who has been linked with the Cherries this month.

It wouldn’t be the first time AFC Bournemouth have hijacked Lazio’s move for a young Hungarian talent – Milos Kerkez had reportedly agreed personal terms with them back in the summer of 2023.

As we know, this deal was eventually completed by Bournemouth for €15M, before selling Kerkez to Liverpool this summer for a rumoured £40M.

The club would be hoping for a similar return on investment should the deal be completed, with the Hungarian side reportedly asking for a fee of around €15M.

The club’s transfer strategy has been to sign young players with high potential for a low fee, hopefully selling them on for a profit in the future.

This is important for the club to comply with the new ‘Squad Cost Ratio’ financial rules in the Premier League.

These rules limit ‘on-pitch spending’ to a percentage of a club’s football revenue and profit from sales, set at 85%. This means we won’t be seeing the club spending £40M on a player anytime soon..