Enes Unal, Bournemouth’s January deadline-day signing from Getafe, has finally touched down in the UK and joined his new teammates after receiving his visa.
The Turkish international initially joins on loan, with a permanent move set for £14m in the summer.
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Missing their recent Nottingham Forest draw due to visa processing, Unal wasted no time integrating into the squad. Having participated in training, he’s expected to be included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Fulham.
Taking over the vacated number 26 shirt previously worn by Gavin Kilkenny, Unal will be looking to provide a different attacking option alongside Dominic Solanke. Manager Andoni Iraola is optimistic about his impact.
Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think it is going to be a good addition.
“It is someone probably different from Dom (Solanke) especially. He is a proven goalscorer in La Liga. He has been successful there.
“It is true he comes from an ACL, but he has already played some games with Getafe and I am sure he will help us straightaway.
“I also think his mentality and his physicality adapts really well to the Premier League.”
Iraola further highlighted Unal’s physicality, mentality, and English language skills as assets for adapting to the Premier League. This, combined with his experience at Manchester City as a youngster, suggests a smooth transition for the new striker.
“He also speaks the language, he has had some experience in Manchester City when he was younger and all these things I think will help him in this adaptation process that for sure he will have,” he added.
I had the following to say to the Echo about the Unal transfer.
Bournemouth fans will be eager to see Unal take the field against Fulham, hoping his arrival bolsters their attacking options and propels them up the table.
