There was some of the usual ‘will he, won’t he’ as Bournemouth fans crossed their fingers and toes in the hope that their wee man from Scotland would cross the Is and dot the Ts.
After a breakthrough Premier League campaign in 2018/2019, Ryan Fraser had suitors. Seven goals and 14 assists in 38 appearances will do that to a player.
No New Deal
But there was a catch. Fraser was in the second last year of his deal, and pulled the oldest trick in the book - spoke about wanting to concentrate on football while the agents handle the money.
Arsenal and Tottenham are now heavily linked with the player, while Liverpool have been rumoured to hold an interest in the past.
This will leave a bitter taste in Bournemouth’s mouth, and certainly won’t sit right with the fans. Selling Fraser could have earned the club good money but now they’ll leave a prime asset, and an important part of the side, for nothing.
Hard Pill to Swallow
Despite Fraser having a poor 2019/2020, he is still a vital cog in Eddie Howe’s unit and now they’ll have to replace that when the transfer market next opens. Howe could move for Harry Wilson, but that will set them back a handsome fee and it’s one they might not be able to afford if they are relegated.
The worst thing is the Scot might not even be a regular starter for Spurs or the Gunners. Their squads are packed with quality, while the Cherries aren’t. Life isn’t fair.
If Fraser was playing for a top six side, there’s no way this contract situation would have been able to develop like it has. Just as with football as in life, the big dogs will always circle and devour the smaller pray.