Alex Jimenez Becomes Bournemouth's Permanent Signing From AC Milan On Long-term Deal

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Bournemouth secure two key defensive deals as the club make Alex Jimenez’s loan move permanent and hand captain Adam Smith a fresh contract, while Andoni Iraola’s side sit ninth in the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Everton.

The Cherries confirm that Jimenez joins from AC Milan on a full transfer after meeting the required appearance clause in his loan agreement. The fee is reported at 16.5m (19m), and the new long-term contract keeps Jimenez at Vitality Stadium until 2031.

Since arriving on loan at the start of the season from the Serie A club, Jimenez has delivered strong defensive numbers and consistent minutes. The Spaniard features 23 times in all competitions, quickly earning support from Bournemouth fans and giving Iraola extra depth in the full-back positions.

Jimenez’s impact is also clear in the tackling statistics for the 2025-26 campaign. Only Adrien Truffert, with 40 tackles, records more for Bournemouth than Jimenez, who has 35. Jimenez also scores the first goal for the club last month in a match against Liverpool.

Bournemouth’s president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, highlights how the deal fits the club’s long-term plan. Pinto notes Jimenez’s football education at Real Madrid and AC Milan as an important factor, viewing that background as valuable experience for a developing defender in the Premier League.

"Alex is a young talent who has already demonstrated his energy and commitment to the squad during these opening months with the club," Bournemouth's president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, said. "He has incredible pedigree, having begun his development at both Real Madrid and AC Milan. We're delighted to have him as part of our project, which began last summer and now continues after the obligation was triggered."

Bournemouth Alex Jimenez Premier League squad stability

Alongside the Jimenez announcement, Bournemouth state that club captain Adam Smith signs a new one-year extension, running until the end of the 2026-27 season. The deal underlines the value of Smith’s leadership and experience as Bournemouth aim to remain competitive in the Premier League.

Smith first joined Bournemouth on loan in the 2010-11 season before sealing a permanent move in 2014. Since then, Smith has played 418 matches for the Cherries, including 248 Premier League appearances, making the defender one of the club’s longest-serving and most experienced figures.

"I'm delighted to extend my contract with Bournemouth and continue my journey at this special club," Smith said. "I'm incredibly proud to be part of this group and truly grateful for the trust the club has placed in me. I'm excited to keep contributing, to push ourselves every week, and to work together towards achieving something special."

Bournemouth’s 2-1 victory over Everton on Tuesday moves the team up to ninth in the Premier League table, and the combination of Jimenez’s permanent arrival and Smith’s renewal gives Iraola continuity across the defence as the club build on a solid league position.