Bournemouth has dropped Alex Jimenez from their squad for the team's crucial Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday after troubling messages allegedly sent by the Spaniard began circulating on social media.
The 21-year-old fullback allegedly sent inappropriate messages to a 15-year-old girl over social media, with the team now opening an investigation relating to the posts.
What did the messages say?
In the messages, which were screenshotted and posted on social media early Friday, Jimenez allegedly is chatting with a young girl over Instagram DMs. In the messages, the responder says that she is 15 years old, which Jimenez appears to acknowledge.
Jimenez allegedly later writes that he has "never been with a 15 year old girl," but he likes "smaller girls." He also allegedly says that he will still meet the girl "because you're very pretty" and "a little small but oh well."
What did the team say?
The club issued a statement on Friday, confirming it is aware of the situation involving the Spaniard. "AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back Alex Jimenez," the club posted on its website and social media. "The club understands the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated. As a result, Alex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow's Premier League game against Fulham and the club will be making no further comment at this time."
Team manager Andoni Iraola also addressed the situation during his pre-match media duties. "The club has to do their investigations and see what has really happened," he said. "We will then move from there. I hope it's not what we think."
Who is Alex Jimenez?
Jimenez fully joined Bournemouth from AC Milan earlier this year in a deal worth roughly US$31 million after spending the first half of the season with the Cherries on loan. He previously spent 10 years in Real Madrid's youth academy system before heading to the Italian giants in 2024. He has appeared in 32 games this season, playing 2,372 minutes for Bournemouth and had started the past five Premier League matches. He has a goal and two assists this season. Jimenez and his representatives have been approached for comment by several news outlets but have yet to issue a statement.
How is Bournemouth doing?
Bournemouth, which currently sits sixth in the English Premier League with a record of 12-16-7, has three games remaining in the season. After Saturday's match against Fulham, they will take on title contenders Manchester City at home before wrapping up the season at Nottingham Forest. Bournemouth has been one of the biggest surprises of the EPL this season and are in competition for a place in next season's European competitions. This comes after the team sold three of its four top defenders and its goalkeeper last summer and then lost star winger Antoine Semenyo during the January transfer window.
