Bournemouth have excluded right-back Alex Jimenez from their Premier League match against Fulham following the emergence of alleged messages sent to a minor. The club confirmed they are investigating the matter after images circulated online appearing to show a private conversation between the player and a young woman, including a photograph taken from his car accompanied by an allegedly suggestive caption, as reported by The Sun.
No formal accusations have been made against Jimenez at this time, but Bournemouth have launched an internal investigation and taken immediate action by removing him from the squad. A club statement read that they were aware of the posts circulating on social media and understood the seriousness of the issue. The statement further confirmed that Jimenez would not be included in the team for the trip to Craven Cottage and that no further comment would be issued at present.
This situation arises during a breakthrough season for the 2005-born Jimenez, who has been a key player for Bournemouth. The Spaniard joined the club on loan from Milan and has become one of the team’s standout performers as they push for a potential historic qualification for European competition.
Crucially, Bournemouth’s obligation to buy Jimenez has already been triggered as part of the loan agreement with Milan. The transfer will become permanent at the end of the season and will see approximately €24 million flow to the Italian club – €19 million as a fixed fee, plus a further €5 million in potential bonuses. However, a portion of this fee will be due to Real Madrid, who retain a 50% stake in any future sale profit related to the fixed portion of the transfer. Jimenez previously came through the Real Madrid youth system before joining Milan.
