Bournemouth defender Julio Soler was Sporting’s Plan B for summer transfer

Bournemouth defender Julio Soler was lined up as Sporting CP’s alternative left-back target this summer before the Portuguese club completed a deal for Moncef Zekri.

Sporting had been looking for another option on the left side of their defence following Ricardo Mangas’ departure and identified Soler as a potential solution.

However, the Argentine was only considered as a Plan B if negotiations for Zekri collapsed.

According to Portuguese outlet Leonino, Zekri was always Sporting’s first choice, but uncertainty during negotiations with KV Mechelen forced the club to prepare alternatives.

Soler emerged as the main backup option.

The Bournemouth defender had already been assessed by Sporting’s recruitment department, with his profile viewed positively by decision-makers at the club.

Sporting considered the 21-year-old capable of strengthening Rui Borges’ options on the left, although signing him would have required a significantly bigger investment than Zekri.

The Portuguese side eventually secured Zekri for €3m (£2.6m) and officially presented the Moroccan on Tuesday, ending the need to pursue Soler.

Sporting’s interest follows previous uncertainty surrounding Soler’s Bournemouth future.

The Argentina international came close to leaving during the January transfer window, when Ajax and River Plate held talks over potential moves. Brazilian clubs were also credited with interest.

None of those possibilities developed into a completed transfer and Soler remained at Bournemouth.

His first-team prospects have remained limited since then, with the defender largely featuring outside the senior setup.

That situation could have opened the door for another departure this summer had Sporting decided to move forward.

Although Sporting ultimately went in another direction, their interest shows Soler continues to attract attention despite his difficult situation at Bournemouth.

The Cherries never had to make a decision over a potential Sporting approach because the Portuguese club completed their preferred deal first.

However, after interest from the Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil and now Portugal, Soler could remain a player to watch whenever another opportunity to leave Bournemouth emerges.

Sporting’s move for Zekri means there is currently no indication they will pursue Soler, but the defender’s Bournemouth situation remains uncertain.

With several clubs having considered him during 2026, further interest could emerge if Bournemouth remain open to finding him regular first-team football.