Bournemouth boss added Atsu for pace

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has explained why he moved so quickly to bring Ghana forward Christian Atsu to the club following the Cherries’ promotion to the Premier League.

The Black Star was recruited by the south-coast club on May 29, only five days after the end of the Premier League season. The forward will move to Dean Court on a season-long loan deal, having spent the previous campaign on loan at Everton.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Howe explained why he opted for Atsu, as well as other summer additions Joshua King (from Blackburn), Adam Federici (Reading) and Arthur Boruc (Southampton).

"We have brought in two very experienced goalkeepers who I think will do very well for us. The two outfield signings will both add pace and attacking qualities to the squad,” he confirmed.

“We are certainly looking at more players. We are very aware we are entering a new league and a completely different challenge awaits us.”

The highly-rated coach also confirmed that he was looking to add to the squad before the start of the 2015-16 season, the Cherries’ first-ever season in the top tier.

“We are going to be examined and tested more than we have ever been so would like to add more quality to the squad in certain positions to ensure added competition for places. We will wait and see whether we are able to do so.

“Although we have signed four players, we have found it a difficult market so far because the landscape has changed for us. But we are hopeful we can add the players we want before the season starts.”

Bournemouth secured a spot in the Premier League after topping the Championship last season, however, they will begin next season among the favourites for relegation.

While Howe will be hoping that Atsu’s pace and dribbling ability can help the club achieve survival, the player himself will be looking forward to a more successful campaign than he has endured this season.

During his loan spell at Goodison Park, the attacker managed only five Premier League performances of which only one was a start. He featured sporadically in the Europa League, but was unable to recreate the impact of previous Blues loanee Gerard Deulofeu and became a spare part following the arrival of Aaron Lennon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January.