Cherries complete Mepham signing

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Brentford and Wales defender Chris Mepham on a long-term contract for a fee in the region of £12 million.

The 21-year-old is the first product of Brentford’s ‘B team’ system which replaced their academy in 2016. The defender initially came through the ranks at Chelsea before moving across west London to Brentford.

Currently capped four times for Wales, Mepham has made a big impact for club and country since making his Brentford debut in January 2017.

Speaking to afcbTV, the youngster was clearly delighted to put pen to paper on a deal with the Cherries.

“There’s so much to like about this club, not least the manager. Eddie Howe is a fantastic manager and what he’s done here is remarkable, so to be working under him every day is a really exciting prospect.

“I’m still young and have lots to learn and develop on my game but I can’t wait to get started, to meet everyone and to get out on the training pitch.”

The signing will strengthen the depth of the Bournemouth back line given Adam Smith and Simon Francis are sidelined from the Cherries with long-term injuries.

Mepham becomes Howe’s and Bournemouth’s third January signing after Liverpool pairing Nathaniel Clyne and Dominic Solanke making the move to the south coast earlier this month.

The centre-back will hope to make his Bournemouth debut when the Cherries welcome Chelsea to the Vitality Stadium on the 30th January.

Bournemouth have also announced the departure of winger Marc Pugh, who has signed on a season-long loan deal at Hull City. Pugh has made over 250 appearances for Howe’s side but has found chances harder to come by this season, netting once in just three appearances.