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A Guernsey-born footballer has completed a dream move to the Premier League with Bournemouth as part of a deal estimated to be in excess of £20m.
The move takes Alex Scott back to a club where he played some youth football.
Scott moved from Guernsey FC to Bristol City as a 17-year-old and was full of praise for that club.
“I arrived as a young boy from Guernsey and, from the moment I joined Bristol City I felt at home [and] will be eternally grateful to the club for showing faith in me at such a young age,” he said in a statement posted online.
— Alex Scott (@AlexScott_7) August 10, 2023
“Thank you to the coaches for giving me the opportunity in the first team at just 17, my teammates who have helped me on my journey and all the staff who have made me so welcome. I wish everyone all the best in the future.
“A special thanks to you fans for being behind me every step of the way and hearing my song ring out around Ashton Gate is something I’ll never forget.”
After the deal was confirmed, he posted on Twitter: "What dreams are made of."
What dreams are made of???????? @afcbournemouth pic.twitter.com/zi3RNsK8Wv
— Alex Scott (@AlexScott_7) August 10, 2023
The 19-year-old was named the Sky Bet Championship's young player of the season for 2022-23.
He missed City's opening two matches of the new season because of a swollen knee.
Bournemouth confirmed scans on Scott's knee problem revealed the injury to be "more significant than was initially reported" and the midfielder was now set for a "period of rehabilitation" before he will join up with his new team-mates.
Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake feels the club have landed "one of the most exciting young players in Europe".
Blake said on the Bournemouth club website: "He's a player that has vast experience at such a young age with strong technical ability and a really good footballing brain.
"Alex will be an excellent fit in our system, and we're excited to see him continue to develop under Andoni's (Iraola) management."
Born in Guernsey, Scott was part of Southampton’s academy as a youngster.
He spent time training with the Cherries following his release but opted to reject a contract offer to take a break from football.
He returned to the game with Guernsey FC, playing 15 times.
Making his debut at the age of 16, he was the club’s youngest-ever player.
Crazy to think this young lad form @GuernseyFC has gone from @IsthmianLeague to @premierleague in 4 years!! Mental has a english footballer ever had a more impressive rise than @AlexScott_7 #afcb #BCFC pic.twitter.com/qRlcsmQOZe
— Scott Fusellier (@scottfusellier) August 10, 2023
Scott made his senior debut in April 2021 and scored five Championship goals in 83 appearances during his time at Ashton Gate.
He has also represented England at youth level, including making three appearances at this year's Under-20 World Cup.
Bournemouth, who appointed Spaniard Iraola as manager in June after sacking Gary O'Neil, will start the new Premier League season at home against West Ham on Saturday.
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