Share

Spanish defender Rico signs for Bournemouth

London - Bournemouth have signed Diego Rico from Leganes, subject to the defender receiving international clearance, the English Premier League club said on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Spaniard has joined the south coast side on a four-year contract for £10.7m.

"I'm very happy to be here and would like to thank everyone at AFC Bournemouth for making me feel so welcome," Rico said in a club statement.

"This is a new step for me in my career and from my heart I can say I am truly excited to be here and looking forward to the future."

In Eddie Howe the Cherries have one of the most highly-regarded young managers in the English game and Rico said: "I've heard so much about the manager.

"I learnt he is very professional and has a great philosophy on football and I can see that is true from the short time I have met him so far.

"I am very excited to be a Bournemouth player."

Rico scored four goals in 58 appearances during two seasons with Leganes, helping them avoid relegation from La Liga with successive 17th-place finishes.

He has now become Howe's second pre-season signing following the arrival of Wales midfielder David Brooks from Sheffield United earlier this month.

"Diego is a player we have been tracking throughout the summer, and although we had to be patient, it's great to finally be able to call him an AFC Bournemouth player," said Howe.

"Diego is fast, physical, aggressive in attack and aggressive defensively. He takes an excellent set piece and has a powerful left foot.

"Once he gets used to the way we play, we believe he can be a real force for this football club."

Bournemouth, who have just returned from a pre-season training camp in Spain, begin their Premier League campaign at home to newly-promoted Cardiff City on August 11.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE