Why Omar Elabdellaoui would be a smart signing for Bournemouth
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Bournemouth are one among the host of Premier League clubs interested in signing Olympiakos right-back Omar Elabdellaoui.
Omar Elabdellaoui’s, 27, contract with Olympiakos is running out in the summer and he will be a free agent when it expires. At present, the Norway international can sign a pre-contract agreement at the turn of the year with any foreign club.
The 27-year-old shone again in Norway’s 1-1 draw against Spain on Friday, winning the injury-time penalty, which Josh King converted to earn his side a point. Elabdellaoui’s display in Oslo has alerted the clubs but considering his homegrown status and experience in England, a return to the Premier League seems more likely.
That said, Bournemouth must go all out to sign the Norwegian full-back in January.
Bournemouth signed Jack Stacey from Luton Town during the summer transfer window to cover and compete with Adam Smith and Simon Francis. Skipper Simon Francis returned to full fitness from a long injury layoff in September but he is 34 and already past his prime.
Adam Smith has long been the Cherries’ first-choice right-back but he was used on the opposite side last season at times to accommodate the on-loan Liverpool defender, Nathaniel Clyne.
Bournemouth were interested in signing Clyne on a permanent basis after his impressive six-month loan spell at the Vitality Stadium. However, the Englishman suffered knee ligament damage during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States.
It’s clear Eddie Howe wanted to sign a right-back in summer to increase the squad depth. That being said, Omar Elabdellaoui would be a good fit at the Vitality Stadium.
Predominantly a right-back, Elabdellaoui is capable enough of playing on the right side of the midfield or down the right flank as well. He has accumulated plenty of experience under his belt and has the requisite technical understanding of the game to play for a Premier League side.
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The Norway international is an attack-minded full-back and his standout assets are his pace, crossing ability and dribbling skills. His attacking contribution from last season showcases that he can affect play in the final third. He works tirelessly off the ball and can hold his own in the defence as well.
Plus, add the 27-year-old’s previous experience of playing in the Premier League, Elabdellaoui would be an asset for the Cherries.
Verdict
Thus, Elabdellaoui will be a valuable addition to the squad as he is just the kind of player who can hit the ground running straight away at Bournemouth.