Bournemouth offer Rickie Lambert escape route from Anfield struggle
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Southampton hero Rickie Lambert made a dream switch to Anfield last summer, leaving the south coast behind for Liverpool but, after a mammoth struggle, Eddie Howe’s newly-promoted Bournemouth are offering the striker an escape from his Merseyside nightmare.
The 33-year-old frontman has endured a tough time at Anfield since his £4m switch from St Mary’s Stadium last summer, after five impressive seasons with Southampton where he helped guide the south coast side to their top-flight return.
Liverpool have lacked firepower this term, with Lambert just one of the Anfield forwards failing to live up to their potential, but Brendan Rodgers’ Reds are a 14/1 chance to bounce back next season and secure their maiden Premier League crown.
Although, Cherries boss Howe is reportedly keen to lure Lambert back to the south coast with Bournemouth, after his Dean Court club incredibly rallied to Championship victory, earning their rise to the top tier for the first time in history.
It is believed the out-of-favour attacker would welcome a move away from the red half of Merseyside, with Howe’s top-flight new-boys looking for plenty of British-based players to help bolster their chances of survival next season.
The talented Bournemouth boss could look to partner Lambert with prolific poacher Callum Wilson, whose 23 strikes helped fire the Cherries to their second tier title triumph.
Howe has lifted his club from rock-bottom of League Two to the Premier League in the space of only six years, and he is hoping to bring a wealth of homegrown stars to the south coast to make sure they don’t emulate QPR and Burnley by immediately being relegated after promotion.
“You need a balance but predominantly we will go British,” stated Howe.
“Also we do not want any players who will upset the atmosphere in the dressing-room because that has been key to our success.”
Lambert could fit the bill perfectly at Dean Court, having struck 106 times in 207 league outings for the Saints in his clinical career on the south coast, leading them frOm League One to the top-flight.
Bournemouth, maybe with Lambert leading their attack, are even-money to secure survival next term and odds-on 8/11 to face an immediate drop.
