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Bournemouth enter race for Alex Toth as January midfield plans sharpen
Bournemouth’s transfer activity is beginning to carry a familiar sense of intent. According to TeamTalk, the Cherries have emerged as serious contenders for Alex Toth, with initial talks already held with the player’s representatives as the club look to strengthen centrally during the January window.
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At just 20, Toth has become one of the most intriguing young midfielders in Hungary, starring for Ferencvaros and earning nine senior international caps. Comparisons to Dominik Szoboszlai follow him closely, largely due to his technical quality, vision and right foot that can dictate tempo from deep or advanced positions.
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Iraola vision drives Bournemouth interest
Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have developed a clear footballing identity, one built on energy, precision and bravery in possession. TeamTalk report that the club are actively scouting midfield reinforcements to add creativity and depth during a demanding Premier League campaign.
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Much of the work is being shaped by director Tiago Pinto, whose European connections are well established. Toth fits the profile Bournemouth have increasingly favoured, young, technically secure and capable of developing within a structured environment rather than arriving fully formed.
The midfielder remains under contract until 2027, but his rising reputation has triggered interest across Europe. Bournemouth’s approach has been about positioning, gauging appetite and opening dialogue before the market accelerates.
Lazio progress complicates transfer landscape
Despite Bournemouth’s early engagement, the picture is crowded. TeamTalk outline how Lazio have pushed ahead in recent days, agreeing personal terms with Toth on a deal running until 2030, reportedly worth around €1.5m per year. Negotiations with Ferencvaros have advanced too, with bids moving from €10m toward the €12m to €15m range.
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Italian sources describe Lazio as frontrunners, with the deal potentially nearing completion as they reshape their midfield following Matteo Guendouzi’s move to Fenerbahce.
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Valuations for Toth are broadly set at around €15m, a figure reflecting potential rather than finished product. Ferencvaros are open to negotiation but are expected to insist on add-ons given the weight of interest.
Premier League pull and agent signals
Bournemouth are not alone from England. Brentford have also entered the conversation, while previous links to Liverpool, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion underline how widely Toth has been tracked since late 2025.
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His agent, Bence Papp, has been clear that a move is inevitable “at the latest” in the summer, citing overwhelming market dynamics. He has also pushed back against claims of fully agreed personal terms elsewhere, keen to keep options open.
Whether Bournemouth can convince Toth to choose the Premier League now, rather than Italy, remains uncertain. But their presence at this stage signals a club thinking ambitiously and acting decisively.
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Bournemouth are a club that has evolved from survival mode into something more purposeful under Iraola, and the idea of targeting a player like Alex Toth fits that upward curve.
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There is realism among the fanbase. Lazio being ahead in negotiations is not ignored, nor is the pull of European football in Italy. But supporters will take confidence from Bournemouth even being part of this conversation.
The Szoboszlai comparison naturally excites, even if fans understand it should be treated with caution. What matters more is profile. A young midfielder with vision and composure feels aligned with how Bournemouth want to play. If the club can offer minutes, trust and a clear pathway, that can still be persuasive.
Even if this deal does not happen, the intent is the story. Bournemouth supporters want to see ambition matched by planning. On that front, this report lands well.
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