Premier League newcomers Bournemouth sign stopper Adam Federici

Eddie Howe’s Premier League new boys Bournemouth recently outlined several transfer targets in order to mount a serious bid at remaining in the top-flight next season, and first steps have been taken with the capturing of Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici.

The 30-year-old shot stopper has made 245 outings for the Royals in his career between the sticks at the Madejski Stadium, and was also part of Australia’s 2010 World Cup squad that narrowly missed out on a round of 16 spot, having been involved in the supposed group of death with Germany.

BREAKING: #afcb sign @FFA international & former #readingfc goalkeeper @federici32: http://t.co/OtAQmvvoIl pic.twitter.com/Z9NQK6pzKl

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) May 27, 2015

Bournemouth are 6/4 with Coral to be relegated and face an immediate return to the Championship after next season, but have secured a solid and experienced goal guard ahead of their maiden top-flight campaign, who is obviously saddened to depart his previous club.

“It was difficult to leave Reading, I had been there an extremely long time,” stated Federici.

The veteran stopper was a free agent after his contract expired with the Royals, and is the second goalkeeper signed by Cherries boss Howe after the capture of former Southampton star Artur Boruc, who joined on a one-year deal.

“I feel like I’m joining something special and I’m looking forward to working with the manager and the boys. I can’t wait to get started.

“I had a lot of success at Reading and the fans were great for me, but I thought it was time I moved on.”

Federici made an impressive 49 outings for Reading this past season, which also included an FA Cup semi-final appearance against holders Arsenal, but made a fatal blunder on Chilean Alexis Sanchez’s effort as they were toppled on Wembley soil.

If the Cherries are ever in need of a last-gasp goal from a corner in a Premier League encounter next term, Federici could spring a surprise, having struck an injury-time equaliser for Reading in a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City in 2008.

The transfers don’t stop with Federici, though, as Howe also has Chelsea winger Christian Atsu in his sights for a loan switch and has secured Blackburn Rovers’ Josh King on a free transfer. Chelsea’s 23-year-old Atsu spent all of last season on loan at Everton and is now believed to be close to agreeing another year-long stint at Bournemouth, while King has left after a frustrating season at Ewood Park.

Ghanaian wideman Atsu moved to Stamford Bridge in 2013 but has been constantly loaned out since his £3.5m move from Porto, and could help the Cherries stay up next term (odds-on 1/2 to do so).