Why Bournemouth should keep hold of Joshua King
According to The Sun (h/t Daily Mail), Bournemouth striker Joshua King has emerged as a shock target for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The 28-year-old has been one of the key players for the Cherries since his move from Blackburn Rovers back in the summer of 2015. He has featured 170 times for Bournemouth to date and has scored 70 goals in the process, which gives a fair idea of his value.
Despite being one of their star players in the past few years, King could not help Bournemouth as they got relegated from the Premier League this season. However, he still managed six goals and four assists this term.
Losing King could prove costly for Bournemouth next season
Bournemouth suffered relegation back to the Championship following a five-year spell in the top-flight. Losing a star player such as King at such a crucial juncture could prove to be a disastrous choice for the Cherries if they wish to make a quick return back to the Premier League.
In fact, King was Bournemouth’s most successful player in recent times, scoring 16 league goals and helping them finish ninth in the 2016-17 season – their best-ever display since earning promotion.
Also, apart from King, the Cherries just have two established strikers in Callum Wilson and Dominic Solanke. Though Wilson has been in good form like King in the last few years for Bournemouth, young Solanke still has a lot more to improve.
The 22-year-old Solanke managed to score just three goals this season despite making as many as 32 league appearances. That said, letting go of a consistent goal-scorer such as King could prove to be a costly mistake by the Cherries now that they are once again back in the lower division.
Hence, they should ward off any interest from abroad for King and keep him at the Vitality Stadium, at least until they find a proper replacement for the £25million-rated forward.
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Verdict
It is evident that Bournemouth do not have consistent goal-scorers in their ranks except for King and Wilson. Losing King will hamper their prospects of getting back to the Premier League next season.
Also, he is one of the key players in the side and his departure will also have an effect on the club’s morale. Moreover, King will be eager to prove a point and help them return to the top-flight, having had an average season.
