Bournemouth fans are rejoicing on social media after their club announced the signing of Rangers linked Jack Wilshere on a short-term deal [Afcb.co.uk].
Wilshere had been without a club since terminating his contract at West Ham in October due to a lack of regular playing time.
Rangers were linked with Jack Wilshere after his departure from West Ham but he has joined Bournemouth. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Speculation has abounded ever since, with Rangers one of the first clubs linked with a swoop [Daily Record].
However, it appears the Gers didn’t follow up on their initial reported interest and that’s perhaps just as well, as supporters took offence at comments made by the England international in November.
Wilshere stated his desire to move abroad for a new challenge but it appears he was short on attractive offers and after training with Bournemouth over recent weeks, he’s now signed a short-term deal with the Championship club.
The 29-year-old will look to play a key part over the second half of the campaign as the Cherries target promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
It’s a second stint at Dean Court for the midfielder, who spent the 2016/17 season on loan there from Arsenal.
Wilshere in action for Bournemouth in 2017. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
“It feels great to be back and I can’t wait to get started,” said Wilshere [Afcb.co.uk]. “From the minute I walked through the door three weeks ago, it felt natural and like I had never been away.”
“I know a lot of the players and staff here and I’m pleased they allowed me to train, initially, and then it just went from there. I’ve been impressed by the coaching staff, the way they work and the ambitions of the club to get back in the Premier League.
“We all share the same ambitions and I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping achieve those.”
Wilshere has had serious injury problems throughout his career but at his best is a quality operator and plenty of Bournemouth fans are over the moon with the signing.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
Welcome back. Looking forward to see you play some majestic football for us. Hope it works out as good for you as it is for us
— martyn poucher (@martynpoucher12) January 18, 2021
Well done.
Just play. Create. Be.
Let the pundits and us armchair supporters talk. Talk is cheap. It doesn’t matter what we all say.
Prove it to yourself, not anyone else.#afcb 🍒
— Larry Kress (@middleageschmo) January 18, 2021
Welcome back Jack! Can’t wait to see you back out there in red and black 👊🍒
— sandy (@afcbsandy) January 18, 2021
Things you love to see
— James (@afr3shst4rt1) January 18, 2021
Yes yes yes 🙌🏻 very happy hearing this news 🔥 @JackWilshere welcome back 🍒
— Georgia Holly Stevens 🍒 (@x_Georgiaa_xox) January 18, 2021
In our 2-touch obsessed culture, he’s a player so un-English in his ability to dribble, stay on the ball and find creative opportunities.. an absolute dream of a signing for the Championship. Welcome back @JackWilshere. 🍒
— Stuart Bramley🍏🇪🇺 (@stuafcb) January 18, 2021
Every Monday is now officially know as Jack Wilshere day.
— Carl Loveridge (@Carl_Lvdg) January 18, 2021
Welcome back Jack! Can’t wait to see what you can do 💪🍒
— Corey 🍒 (@JellyPants7_) January 18, 2021
Monday MADE 😍❤🍒
— James McCafferey (@AFCB_M2theC) January 18, 2021
🐐🐐🐐
— Big Jeff 🍒 (@1afcb1) January 18, 2021
Wilshere isn’t the only midfielder Rangers have been linked with in recent times, with the club currently said to be monitoring a 22-year-old Nigeria international.