Bournemouth have completed the signing of goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio from Juventus on a season-long loan deal. The 29-year-old Italian, who was named Serie A's best goalkeeper for the 2023-24 season, joins with the Cherries holding an option to make the move permanent for approximately €12.7 million (£10.9 million).
This news, reported by Sports Mole, arrives as Bournemouth prepare for their second Premier League match of the season. The club currently sits 14th in the table with 0 points from one game, having lost their opener. They are three points behind early leaders Brighton and will host 4th-placed Everton at home on 29 August.
Why did Bournemouth target Di Gregorio?
Manager Marco Rose has moved to add proven quality and competition to his goalkeeping department. Di Gregorio brings a significant pedigree from Italy's top flight. He started his career at Inter Milan before starring in Monza's historic promotion to Serie A. His standout campaign came in the 2023-24 season where he kept 14 clean sheets, earning him the award for the league's best goalkeeper. That form prompted a move to Juventus.
Di Gregorio is expected to challenge directly with Djordje Petrovic and veteran Fraser Forster for the starting position. His arrival gives Rose a welcome selection headache and adds depth as the squad navigates a long season. You can view the full squad composition on our squad page.
What did the new signing say about the move?
Upon finalising the transfer, Michele Di Gregorio spoke positively about his new challenge. He praised Bournemouth's ambition and framed the move as a major career step. "Testing himself in the English top flight is an absolute honour," the goalkeeper said. His comments suggest a player motivated to prove himself in a new league and help the team improve its early-season form.
How does this affect Bournemouth's season start?
The signing provides an immediate boost following a narrow 2-1 defeat in their first match. Bournemouth have scored one goal and conceded two, giving them a -1 goal difference. Reinforcing the squad ahead of a tough home game against Everton is a clear priority. The club's standings position shows the tight nature of the early table, where a win could propel them up several places.
Integrating a new goalkeeper quickly will be important. Di Gregorio's experience and recent award-winning form should bring confidence to the defensive unit. His ability to organize from the back and make key saves could be vital in turning close games in Bournemouth's favour. The next fixture, detailed on our fixtures list, offers an early opportunity to demonstrate his impact.
What other transfer news was reported today?
The same Sports Mole report covered other notable moves, though not directly involving Bournemouth. Canadian international midfielder Nathan Saliba, 22, is close to joining Villarreal from Anderlecht in a €15 million (£12.8 million) permanent deal. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the impending move, with Saliba set for a medical in Spain. Anderlecht initially wanted more but accepted Villarreal's offer for the player who shone at the 2026 World Cup.
Elsewhere, 20-year-old forward Ethan Wheatley has left Manchester United for a season-long loan at newly promoted Championship side Lincoln City. BBC Sport reported the transfer. Wheatley, who is Manchester United's 250th academy graduate to play for the senior team, admitted he was glad to get the deal over the line and step up to the second tier. Lincoln have lost their opening two league fixtures.
For Bournemouth, the focus now shifts to preparation for Everton. The immediate task is to build cohesion with the new signing and secure a first positive result of the campaign at Vitality Stadium.
