The 22-year-old is Bournemouth's first signing of the summer David Ramos/Getty ImagesJuly 14, 2026 Updated Bournemouth have announced the signing of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Spanish club Elche.The Athletic exclusively reported on July 2 that Bournemouth were in advanced talks to sign the Uruguay youth international.Sources from both clubs briefed on the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, indicated that the move was worth in the region of £21million and included a sell-on clause. The Athletic reported that add-ons would take the total value of the deal to £25.7m.Sources also noted that Rodriguez is seen as a different profile to what Bournemouth already possess in attack and that he is not a replacement for Eli Junior Kroupi, who has been the subject of interest from the likes of Arsenal.
Rodriguez, who turned 22 on Tuesday, is the the first arrival of the summer under new head coach Marco Rose, who replaced Andoni Iraola following the expiration of the Spaniard’s contract.
Álvaro Rodríguez.
Introducing our first summer signing 🇺🇾🍒 pic.twitter.com/6pbBHVArAj
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 14, 2026“It feels like a great privilege to be here. I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League and now, on my birthday, that dream has become reality,” Rodriguez said.“It has been a dream since I was a child. When my agent told me Bournemouth were interested, I couldn’t believe it.“Everything I’ve experienced so far has prepared me for this next chapter, and now I want to keep improving and show what I can do.”Rodriguez is a graduate of Real Madrid’s academy, with the 36-time La Liga champions set to receive half of the fee. He made 10 senior appearances for the side, recording one goal and one assist.He spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Getafe before joining Elche on a permanent basis in July last year and went on to record seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.
