OVER THE years AFC Bournemouth have enjoyed much success with signing players from the Championship to perform in the Premier League.

In recent seasons Cherries have picked up numerous talents from the second tier, raiding Bristol City for Antoine Semenyo and Alex Scott, as well as enticing Marcus Tavernier away from Middlesbrough.

Looking further back, Lloyd Kelly was another solid buy from Bristol City, whilst Lewis Cook is nearing a decade of service since making the step up from Leeds United in 2016.

Those are just a host of names out of many Cherries that have impressed since signing from Championship sides – but which current second-tier stars might be able to do a job for AFC Bournemouth next season?

Jacob Greaves – Hull City – Centre-back

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Cherries will need defensive reinforcements after the departure of Kelly on a free transfer this window, and perhaps there is no better place to look than the Championship.

Hull City’s Jacob Greaves stands out, with the 23-year-old missing out on the play-offs with his club last term.

Vice-captain of the Tigers, Greaves has missed just five league games during the last three Championship seasons, highlighting his reliability.

Despite being only 23, Greaves has made over 200 professional appearances – 133 of which have come in the second tier.

After winning the club’s young player of the year three seasons on the bounce, Greaves was selected as the club’s best overall player at the end of the campaign.

His efforts were recognised by those outside of the East Riding of Yorkshire, with Greaves named in the Championship’s team of the season for 2023/24.

Calm and composed on the ball but with physical tools such as his height and strength, left-footer Greaves could represent a perfect replacement for the departing Kelly – at least the centre-half aspects of the departee’s role at Cherries.

That being said, Greaves does have experience at playing left-back, his versatility potentially allowing him to mimic Kelly and act as an option in two positions.

As you would expect, Greaves is already attracting interest from Premier League clubs, with reports attributing links to West Ham and Everton over a potential £15million move.

Gabriel Sara – Norwich City - Midfielder

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Hull just missed out on the play-offs, whilst Norwich City competed in the end-of-season promotion campaign – only to limp out in the semi-finals.

Two years on from their Premier League relegation, Norwich are now no longer receiving parachute payments, and as such, might be forced into selling their stars.

Cherries have already been linked with their American striker, Josh Sargent, but perhaps it is their midfield star where Bournemouth should turn their attention to.

Brazilian Gabriel Sara built on an impressive first season in England with an improved second campaign, scoring 13 times and providing 12 assists in 46 Championship appearances.

Cherries have been heavily reliant on Dominic Solanke in Andoni Iraola’s first season in charge, with more goals from midfield required.

Sara can play in all three central midfield positions that Iraola likes to use, including the six, eight, and number 10 roles.

However, it is further forward where Sara would fit best in Cherries’ current tactics, with his creative chops able to supply the forward line.

Only Crysencio Summerville at Leeds United created more actions leading to shots (237) than Sara (226) in the Championship last term, with the Brazilian also ranking fourth for goal-creating actions.

Whilst Norwich may come under some financial pressure to sell this window, it is likely they would still command a decent fee to allow Sara to leave Carrow Road.

Crysencio Summerville – Leeds United – Winger

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Speaking of Summerville – Leeds United look resigned to losing their Dutch star, the Championship’s player of the season seemingly destined for a return to the Premier League.

A more peripheral figure during Leeds’ relegation from the top-flight at the end of the 2022/23 season, Summerville enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the second tier – scoring a total of 21 goals and providing 10 assists as Leeds finished third.

The winger was quiet at Wembley, but so were most of the Leeds team as they lost 1-0 in the play-off final to Southampton.

Cherries have already plucked two players from Leeds, signing Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams from the Whites.

Cherries have already been linked to the Dutchman, amongst four other Premier League clubs, highlighting how highly-rated the winger is.

However, that interest will likely drive Summerville’s value higher, potentially pricing Cherries out of a move.

Lee Buchanan – Birmingham City – Left-back

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Cherries looked light at left-back throughout season, so it would not be a surprise to see them explore the market for another defender this summer, especially after the departure of Kelly.

Milos Kerkez is also linked with a move away, the Hungarian international clearly ambitious, so a new left-back may end up being Cherries’ priority this summer.

Lee Buchanan could be an option if Cherries decide to recruit from lower down the pyramid.

Just 23, Buchanan is already onto his third club – but boasts experience of top-flight football on the continent.

After leaving then cash-strapped Derby County on a free transfer in 2022, Buchanan moved to Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen.

Despite making 23 appearances for the German side, Buchanan pushed for a move back to England in order to secure more game time.

The 23-year-old made 32 appearances as Birmingham ended the Championship season in the relegation zone.

In total, Buchanan has over 100 appearances at Championship level, as well as international experience thanks to England call-ups at various age levels.

Whilst it was a season to forget, Buchanan frequently found himself earning praise from Blues supporters.

Birmingham’s relegation may facilitate a move, although the Blues will be keen to retain as strong a squad as possible to ensure a quick return back to the second tier at the first attempt.

The amount of gametime Buchanan would receive at Cherries could potentially prove a stumbling block, with the left-back likely to be lower down the pecking order to Kerkez.

Are there any other players in the Championship you think Cherries should take a look at? Let us know in the comments below.