Bournemouth sign former Real Madrid starlet in first arrival under Marco Rose

Bournemouth have announced the signing of Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche for a £21million deal.

The 22-year-old striker becomes the Cherries’ first permanent arrival under new boss Marco Rose this summer.

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Rodriguez is a product of Real Madrid‘s academy, having risen through the youth ranks at the Spanish giants to make 10 senior appearances.

The youngster has played for both Spain and Uruguay at youth level, and moves to the Premier League after a strong season at Elche.

Across 24 starts and a further 10 substitute appearances, Rodriguez scored seven goals and provided five assists.

His arrival is a statement of intent from Bournemouth, who are gearing up for their first-ever European campaign after qualifying for the Europa League last season.

Rodriguez will bolster the Cherries’ attacking options, with his physical presence expected to complement their current forwards.

Bournemouth see Rodriguez as more of an out-and-out No.9 than Evanilson, but he has not been signed as a replacement for £85m-rated teenage star Eli Junior Kroupi.

The new signing also marks a major coup for new manager Rose, who previously pursued the front-man at former club RB Leipzig.

European pedigree

On Rodriguez’s arrival, Bournemouth’s Head of Football Operations Tiago Pinto said: “We’re really pleased to strengthen our attacking options with such a talented young forward.

“For someone so young, Alvaro already has a good amount of experience at a very high level and arrives after playing an important role for Elche in La Liga last season.

“We believe he has outstanding pedigree and enormous potential, while also being capable of making an immediate impact as we prepare for an exciting campaign that includes European football.

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“We’re looking forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing him continue his development under Marco.”

Rodríguez also shared his delight over the move, who celebrated his 22nd birthday by kickstarting a new chapter in English football.

He told the club: “It feels like a great privilege to be here.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League and now, on my birthday, that dream has become reality.

“It has been a dream since I was a child. When my agent told me Bournemouth were interested, I couldn’t believe it.

“Everything I’ve experienced so far has prepared me for this next chapter, and now I want to keep improving and show what I can do.”

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Rodriguez spent his early years in the academy at Girona, before joining the youth system at Real Madrid in 2020.

After five years with Los Blancos, the youngster made his senior debut under Carlo Ancelotti as an 18-year-old in January 2023.

Having registered an assist on his La Liga debut, he then scored his first goal for the club on his second league appearance, heading home a late equaliser against city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Prior to joining Elche last summer, Rodriguez enjoyed a season-long loan at fellow LaLiga side Getafe.

His arrival also marks the first signing of the Marco Rose era at Bournemouth.

The German was announced as Andoni Iraola’s successor at the Vitality Stadium in April, having previously managed Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.