Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is available in the January transfer window under specific conditions, and Liverpool currently sit in the strongest position to sign him ahead of Chelsea.
According to multiple reports, including the BBC and The Times, Bournemouth have softened their previous “not for sale” stance after talks with Scott’s representatives. The 23-year-old England international has rejected contract offers at the Vitality Stadium and is keen to move to a bigger club. Bournemouth will only sanction a mid-season departure if they receive an offer in the region of £100 million (or at least £80 million plus add-ons, according to Sky Sports) and if the club is clear of any relegation threat by the winter window.
Scott has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers in recent seasons. Chelsea tested the waters in the summer with bids starting at around £60 million and rising to £64 million with add-ons; both were rejected. The Blues remain interested after selling Enzo Fernández and still needing midfield reinforcement under Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola (Scott’s former Bournemouth boss), are also tracking the player closely. Iraola’s existing relationship with both Scott and Bournemouth’s hierarchy is widely viewed as a significant advantage. Several outlets, including the Daily Mail, have placed the Reds in the “driving seat” for that reason. Liverpool’s midfield could benefit from an upgrade, and a reunion with Iraola would be a natural fit for the player.
Key factors in the race
- Price: The £100m asking price is steep, especially in January. Chelsea have funds available from the Fernández sale; Liverpool have already spent heavily in recent windows and may prefer to wait until the summer unless the deal feels compelling.
- Player preference: Scott’s camp has previously shown openness to Chelsea, but the personal link with Iraola at Anfield is a genuine pull.
- Bournemouth’s position: The Cherries are currently struggling near the bottom of the table. Their willingness to sell hinges on whether survival looks secure by January.
- Alternatives: Both clubs are monitoring other midfield options (including Monaco’s Lamine Camara) should talks stall.
The situation remains fluid. No bids have been lodged since the summer, and nothing is imminent. Scott is currently dealing with a minor injury, but his long-term future is clearly away from Bournemouth if the right offer arrives.
A high-quality midfielder of Scott’s profile rarely becomes available mid-season. Whether Liverpool can convert their current advantage into a concrete deal, or whether Chelsea’s financial muscle and project under Alonso prove more attractive, will be one of the key storylines of the January window.
