Bournemouth’s move for Elche striker Álvaro Rodríguez has hit an unexpected snag after he completed his medical but flew back to Spain without a deal being signed off. The Cherries had looked set to finalise a €25m agreement this week, but the striker’s return to Alicante-Elche Airport on Thursday shows talks are still ongoing.
What happened?
Rodríguez landed in Alicante on Thursday after leaving England, despite having already passed his medical with Bournemouth on Tuesday. That step usually comes at the end of a transfer, but the deal remains unsigned. According to Spanish outlet Deporte Valenciano, the 21-year-old is waiting in Spain while Bournemouth and Elche thrash out the final details.
The two clubs are still haggling over a fee close to €25m (£21.6m) in fixed payments and bonuses. Rodríguez’s return should not be read as a collapse, but as a pause while the clubs finish talks. He is ready to fly back to England the moment they give the green light.
Why it matters for Bournemouth
Bournemouth sit sixth in the Premier League with 57 points from 38 games and a +4 goal difference after scoring 58 and conceding 54. They are 28 points behind leaders Arsenal and last hosted Nottingham Forest on 24 May 2026 in a 1-1 draw. Their unbeaten run of five games (DDDDW) ended with a win at home to FC St. Pauli on 24 July 2026.
Bringing Rodríguez in would add firepower to a side that has already scored 58 goals this season. The striker’s pace and finishing could help Bournemouth chase European spots while closing the 28-point gap to the summit.
What comes next?
The next few hours are decisive, Deporte Valenciano reports. If Bournemouth and Elche bridge the remaining gap, Rodríguez will return to England and the move can be completed. Until then, the striker waits in Alicante, ready to board the next flight once the clubs agree terms.
For now, a deal that looked days from announcement is paused. Bournemouth still need to finalise the paperwork before they can officially welcome the 21-year-old to the Vitality Stadium squad.
