Go for it Howe – Ake’s departure wouldn’t be felt if Bournemouth land £17m Man United star

Why Bournemouth should sign Phil Jones next summer

Despite getting defeated in their last three league games, Bournemouth have made a great start to the 2018/19 campaign. They are eighth in the Premier League table with 20 points from 14 games, a tally that many mid-table clubs strive to have in the first third of the season.

Eddie Howe’s men are now not only like an attractive prospect but look comfortable on the big stage. They are playing some fine football, especially at the Vitality Stadium, however, the main improvement this season has been the level-headed performance level in away games.

The good thing about this team is a settled centre-back partnership of Steve Cook and Nathan Ake, which helps in the compactness of the shape from back to front. They have conceded goals but those have mainly been against big teams.

However, as per the report in the Telegraph, Ake is being linked with some of the top clubs in the country, including Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea. The Blues can also take the Dutchman back as his contract has a buy-back clause which the London club can trigger.

Hence, if the 23-year-old leaves the Vitality at the end of this season, Bournemouth will have to find a new centre-back to partner Cook. Here’s why they should sign Phil Jones from Manchester United, who will be a free agent come the end of this campaign:

Phil Jones’ experience would be key to the Cherries

Jones has been a Manchester United player since joining them in 2011 for a fee around £17m when Sir Alex Ferguson was still the Red Devils boss. Since then, the Englishman has featured in 146 league games and 26 European games for the Red Devils, epitomising his experience of playing at the highest level.

He is still only 26 and probably has around 8-9 years of football left in him, bearing in mind that he plays as a centre-back. Injuries of various kinds have deterred his progress at Old Trafford, but he is a still a fantastic player and can improve any defence in the league.

Jones’ contract will run out at the end of this season and it doesn’t look like he will extend his stay in Manchester. Therefore, he could become a free agent.

Read More: Bournemouth splashing £15m to grab this Arsenal star in January would be a fantastic move by Howe

Bournemouth should take advantage of this situation and buy the player if Nathan Ake leaves them. Ake’s departure will leave the Cherries with funds in their bank to handle the wage demands of Jones.