Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has told the Daily Echo that his mind is not yet made up, on whether or not to recall Jermain Defoe this summer.
The striker joined Rangers on an 18-month loan deal in January. But his parent club has the option to bring him back in the summer or in January 2020.
His comments contradict a recent report from Football Insider. That report claimed Howe was happy with his current striking options and would leave Defoe at Ibrox.
These latest comments throw his staying in Glasgow into doubt, though.
“To be honest, we’re so engrossed in what we’re doing here that we haven’t had a chance to sit down and discuss anything on that side [Defoe returning or not]”, Howe told the Daily Echo.
“I’m sure that’ll be one for the summer, but I’m really pleased to see Jermain doing so well.”
Analysis
Clearly, the Cherries boss wants to review things fully at the end of the season.
While the recent report has been discredited somewhat, this isn’t the end of the world. We know Defoe wants to stay [The Scotsman]. Furthermore, Howe didn’t suggest he was keen on bringing the veteran back, just that he was aware he’s getting minutes and performing.
Bournemouth are 13th in the league, a comfortable ten points clear of the relegation spots, and are now a well established Premier League outfit.
In forward areas, their manager can call on Callum Wilson, Joshua King, Dominic Solanke and Lys Mousset. Therefore, on the surface, there seems no pressing reason to bring Defoe back.
However, it appears we’ll have to wait a while to find out for sure, either way.
