Official: Fiorentina agree loan for Bournemouth defender Jimenez with €20m option

Fiorentina have agreed a season-long loan deal for Bournemouth's Spanish defender Alex Jimenez, with a €20m (£17m) option to make the move permanent.

The 21-year-old was suspended by Bournemouth pending the outcome of an investigation into social media allegations. Jimenez was dropped from the first team in May following what the club said was a "serious matter" relating to "posts circulating on social media".

Jimenez initially joined the south coast side on loan from AC Milan before signing permanently in February on a deal running until 2031, as reported by [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvgd7z5xjvno). The Spain Under-21s international made 32 appearances last season, scoring once.

The move to Fiorentina represents an important opportunity for the young defender to rebuild his career in Serie A, after a difficult period marked by controversy. The Viola club secures a promising talent with a purchase option that could prove to be an excellent deal.

The €20m buyout clause demonstrates Fiorentina's confidence in Jimenez's qualities, despite the circumstances that led to his temporary exclusion from English football.

Sources

• BBC Sport