Eddie Howe’s five star players are starting to live up to the lofty aims of the new Saudi owners.
A year ago this week they started their rebuild with deal-maker Amanda Staveley claiming they wanted to win a title in the next decade. That aim was repeated by Saudi chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan on Thursday as he marked the anniversary of the £305m buyout by the PIF promising trophies and competition at “European level”.
Here there was a masterclass from £35m Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who scored twice, as he continues to show why he thinks Europe is a viable possibility this season. “Bruno is top quality in every aspect, his personality and performances on the pitch. He was outstanding,” hailed Howe. “He is absolutely a bargain.
