Bournemouth have successfully completed one of their most significant transfers of the summer, securing the services of Moroccan international Amine Adli from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €30 million. The versatile attacker has agreed to a five-year contract that will keep him at the Vitality Stadium until 2030, marking a major coup for manager Andoni Iraola’s squad strengthening efforts.
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Transfer Deal Structure and Financial Breakdown
The transfer represents excellent value for Bournemouth, with the Premier League club paying an initial fee of €21 million upfront, while the remaining €9 million will be paid in add-ons and performance-related bonuses. According to multiple reports, some of these additional payments may be challenging to achieve, making the realistic total closer to €27 million.
Bayer Leverkusen have given the green light for Adli to undergo his medical examination, with the deal now considered a “done deal” by transfer experts. The German club originally acquired the talented winger from Toulouse for just €7 million in 2021, representing a significant profit on their investment.
Amine Adli: Profile of a Versatile Attacker
The 25-year-old Moroccan international brings a wealth of experience and tactical flexibility to Bournemouth’s attacking options. Born in Béziers, France, on May 10, 2000, Adli stands 1.80m tall and is predominantly left-footed, though his versatility allows him to operate across multiple positions in the final third.
During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Adli has demonstrated his adaptability by featuring as a left winger, attacking midfielder, central midfielder, and even as a false nine. This positional flexibility will provide Iraola with numerous tactical options throughout the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Career Journey and Development
Adli’s professional journey began at Toulouse, where he made his debut in December 2019 during a Coupe de la Ligue match against Lyon. His breakthrough season came in 2020-21 when he helped Toulouse reach the Ligue 2 playoffs, contributing eight goals and seven assists. His outstanding performances earned him the prestigious Ligue 2 Player of the Season award.
The recognition caught the attention of Bayer Leverkusen, who secured his services in August 2021 on a five-year contract. His adaptation to German football was swift, scoring his first goal for the club in a Europa League match against Celtic in September 2021, followed by his first Bundesliga goal against VfL Bochum in November of the same year.
Performance Statistics at Bayer Leverkusen
During his three seasons in the Bundesliga, Adli has accumulated impressive statistics that highlight his contribution to team success:
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | All Competitions | 27 | 3 | 2 | 1,200+ |
| 2022-23 | All Competitions | 26 | 5 | 3 | 1,450+ |
| 2023-24 | All Competitions | 35 | 8 | 6 | 2,100+ |
| Total | All Competitions | 142 | 23 | 24 | 6,500+ |
Historic Season with Bayer Leverkusen
Adli played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic 2023-24 season, where the club achieved an unprecedented unbeaten run to claim their first-ever Bundesliga title. Under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen went the entire domestic season without defeat, also capturing the DFB-Pokal to complete a memorable double.
The Moroccan international’s contributions during this campaign included several memorable moments, particularly his role in securing two penalties against Bayern Munich through simulation calls that were later overturned by VAR, leading to crucial goals in a 2-1 victory over the eventual runners-up.
International Career with Morocco
Despite being born in France and representing Les Bleus at youth level, Adli chose to switch his international allegiance to Morocco in August 2023. He has since earned 15 caps for the Atlas Lions, scoring his first international goal in a 3-0 victory against Liberia in October 2023.
The decision to represent Morocco has proven beneficial for his development, providing regular international experience that will enhance his profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Competition for Adli’s Signature
Bournemouth’s successful pursuit of Adli demonstrates the club’s growing appeal in the transfer market. The Cherries overcame competition from several notable clubs to secure the winger’s signature:
| Interested Clubs | League | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Bournemouth | Premier League | Deal Completed |
| Sunderland | Championship | Outbid |
| Olympique Marseille | Ligue 1 | Moved to Premier League |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | Premier League | Lost out to Bournemouth |
Bournemouth’s Transfer Strategy
This acquisition represents part of Bournemouth’s comprehensive squad overhaul for the 2025-26 season. The club has been active in the transfer market, generating significant funds through player sales before reinvesting in new talent:
Notable Departures:
- Milos Kerkez to Liverpool (€46 million)
- Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid (€60 million)
- Illya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain (€63 million)
Key Arrivals:
- Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen (€30 million)
- Djordge Petrovic (Goalkeeper)
- Adrien Truffert (Left-back)
- Eli Junior Kroupi (Forward – signed in February)
Tactical Fit Under Andoni Iraola
Manager Andoni Iraola’s tactical system should suit Adli’s playing style perfectly. The Spanish coach favors an attacking approach that emphasizes pace, technical ability, and positional interchange – all attributes that define the Moroccan international’s game.
Adli’s pace and dribbling ability make him particularly effective in one-on-one situations, while his creativity and vision allow him to contribute both goals and assists. His experience playing in different attacking positions provides Iraola with the flexibility to adapt his formations based on opposition and game situations.
Injury Concerns and Recovery
One area of concern for Bournemouth will be Adli’s recent injury history. The winger suffered a broken fibula during the previous season, which limited his playing time and affected his rhythm. However, his strong performances when fit demonstrate that he has fully recovered from this setback.
Medical staff at Bournemouth will undoubtedly conduct thorough examinations to ensure the player is in optimal condition before finalizing the transfer.
Financial Impact and Market Value
The €30 million investment represents significant backing from Bournemouth’s ownership for Iraola’s project. The transfer fee reflects Adli’s market value and potential for further development, particularly given his age and proven ability at both club and international level.
The structured payment plan, with the majority of add-ons tied to performance metrics, suggests Bournemouth have negotiated intelligently to protect their investment while incentivizing the player to perform at his highest level.
Read More: Leverkusen Complete Season-Long Claudio Echeverri Loan Deal from Manchester City
FAQs
How much are Bournemouth paying for Amine Adli?
Bournemouth are paying a total of €30 million for Amine Adli, structured as €21 million upfront with €9 million in add-ons and performance-related bonuses. Some of these additional payments may be difficult to achieve, making the realistic total closer to €27 million.
What positions can Amine Adli play for Bournemouth?
Amine Adli is a versatile attacker who can operate as a left winger, right winger, attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or false nine. This flexibility will provide manager Andoni Iraola with numerous tactical options throughout the season.
How many international caps does Amine Adli have for Morocco?
Amine Adli has earned 15 caps for the Morocco national team since switching from France in August 2023. He has scored one goal for the Atlas Lions, netting in a 3-0 victory against Liberia in October 2023.
What was Amine Adli’s role in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten season?
Adli played a significant role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic 2023-24 unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season, contributing 8 goals and 6 assists across all competitions. He was particularly memorable for winning two penalties against Bayern Munich that helped secure a crucial 2-1 victory.
When will Amine Adli officially become a Bournemouth player?
While the deal is considered “done,” Amine Adli must still undergo medical examinations with Bournemouth. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen are waiting to secure a replacement before officially completing the transfer, with the move expected to be finalized within days.
