Bournemouth spent the summer playing hardball — and their strategy for the next 12 months is becoming clearer by the day. In his weekly Q&A on The Athletic FC podcast, David Ornstein confirmed that the Cherries rebuffed approaches for Alex Scott from four of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, and revealed that far bigger sales are planned for next summer.

Scott: 'Offer us whatever you like. It doesn't matter'

Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all looked at Scott this summer, according to Ornstein. Bournemouth’s response was unequivocal.

“Bournemouth made clear he was not for sale. He was not going anywhere: ‘Offer us whatever you like. It doesn’t matter. He’s under contract until 2028 and we’re keeping him. We think we’ll get even more for him next summer, potentially, when he’ll still have a year to go on his contract.’”

With Scott on a relatively low salary, Ornstein is intrigued to see whether he signs a new contract — possibly with a release clause, a tactic Bournemouth have used before. Chelsea and Liverpool could revisit the player, Arsenal may be less inclined after signing Bruno Guimaraes, while Manchester United “is one of the really interesting ones to watch out for in the summer 2027 market”.

An open plan with a €130m release clause

Bournemouth are not hiding their intentions. Head coach Marco Rose told TV cameras before the Newcastle match that, in a year’s time, his players can go on to even bigger clubs.

“They’re not even hiding what the plan is here: ‘You are all staying this summer, giving Marco Rose a good chance of European football, and then there will be some trading again.’”

That trading will revolve around several names: Junior Kroupi, Rayan — whose £130million release clause takes effect in the next summer window — and Scott. Ornstein’s assessment is that none of them will go for under £100m, which would be “amazing business” for a club whose history of selling stars and reinvesting well has made them serial improvers.

The £60m left-back nobody is talking about

One name Ornstein believes has flown under the radar is Adrien Truffert. With few clubs having recruited at left-back this summer, demand is building across the market — Manchester United were among the sides linked with the position, while Chelsea ultimately bought Pep Chavarria. Truffert, who turns 25 in November, fits the age profile perfectly.

“I’m hearing a value of around £60million ($81m) and that there’s potentially a deal to be done next summer. I could see him being capable of playing for one of the biggest clubs.”

Liverpool, having taken Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth last summer, are “sorted for now” in that position — but Ornstein expects Truffert to become one of the most-wanted defenders in Europe.

Compliance pressures point to a summer firesale

There is another driver behind the timing. Bournemouth’s financial situation is “OK from the previous sales and profits”, but Ornstein notes they are “compliant, just about” in the Premier League, and it could be tighter under UEFA rules, with several clubs potentially facing fines they may treat as “a small price to pay”.

“That’s why the sales will probably need to come next summer, not only because of the players moving on in their careers but also in terms of financial compliance.”

Either way, Bournemouth’s trading window is coming — and the biggest clubs in Europe are already queuing up.