Bournemouth have announced the signing of teenage full-back Julio Soler from Argentine outfit Lanus.
The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Vitality Stadium after passing medical and joins the Cherries for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £11.5m.
"I am very happy. It is something I longed for and it is a very important step for me," Soler told Bournemouth's official website.
Reporting for duty 🫡🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/J5yFOoTV4Z
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 7, 2025
"I think I chose [Bournemouth] because they showed me a lot of affection the first moment they contacted me. I didn't choose it, they chose me and I'm happy to be here."
He added: "As Argentines, I think they know it. That we give everything. All the effort will be for them and to leave the club higher."
Born in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion, Soler leaves Lanus after making 58 senior appearances for the club, and he becomes Bournemouth's second signing of the January transfer window after 18-year-old centre-back Matai Akinmboni.
Marseille sign Luiz Felipe on free transfer from Al-Ittihad
🗣️ 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 💡
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) January 7, 2025
Player 0️⃣0️⃣4️⃣, 𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐳 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬 🇮🇹, joins the Blue & White family! 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/zaw31Lv4DV
Over in France, Marseille have completed the signing of centre-back Luiz Felipe on a free transfer from Al-Ittihad.
The 27-year-old Brazilian-born Italy international has penned a contract until June 2026 and returns to Europe after an 18-month spell in Saudi Arabia.
Felipe was signed by Al-Ittihad from Real Betis for a reported €22m and went on to make a total of 28 first-team appearances in all competitions.
However, the centre-back was omitted from the club's Saudi Pro League squad this season and he has subsequently made the decision to terminate his contract and reignite his career with Marseille.
Felipe becomes Roberto De Zerbi's first signing of the January transfer window and could be available to make his Marseille debut when they travel to Rennes in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
© Imago
Neuer on verge of signing new Bayern contract?
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is reportedly set to sign a contract extension at the club.
The legendary 38-year-old has been hampered with injury in recent years and is currently recovering from a broken rib that kept him sidelined for four games prior to the German winter break.
Nevertheless, Neuer remains an important figure at Bayern and Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that the goalkeeper is one step away from extending his current deal until June 2026.
Neuer's current contract is due to expire this summer, but confirmation of his new one-year deal is set to be announced by Bayern in the 'next days'
Since joining Bayern back in 2011, Neuer has made a total of 540 appearances across all competitions, winning a remarkable 28 trophies including 11 Bundesliga titles.
Oliver Thomas
