BOURNEMOUTH HAVE ANNOUNCED the loan signing of Juan Iturbe from Roma until the end of the season, subject to a work permit and ratification from the Football Association.
The 22-year-old forward, an Argentina Under-20s international who has previously been capped by the Paraguay senior team, becomes the first player to join the Premier League in the January 2016 transfer window.
Iturbe has made 13 of his 18 appearances for the Giallorossi this season as a substitute before securing a switch to the Cherries, which could be made permanent in the summer for an undisclosed fee.
“It’s a big opportunity for me to come and play in the Premier League,” he said.
“There were a few clubs that were interested but things happened pretty quickly and once this process was under way it was a straightforward decision for me to make.
“I didn’t know a lot about Bournemouth as a club but the more I read and the more I found out how much they wanted me, it’s an easy decision to go to a place where you feel really wanted.”
Successful loan spells with River Plate and Verona convinced Roma to pay €22 million to sign him in 2014, but he didn’t quite fulfil his potential in Italy.
He arrives with Eddie Howe’s side three points above the Premier League’s relegation zone with half of the season complete and is set to compete with the likes of Matt Ritchie and Junior Stanislas for positions on the flanks.
Iturbe participated in training with the Cherries on Friday but will not be eligible for Saturday’s trip to high-flying Leicester City.
