OFFICIAL: Serbian centre-back Milosavljević signs for Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth announce that Serbian centre-back Milosavljević joins the team.

Club statement:

AFC Bournemouth is delighted to announce the signing of talented Serbian centre-back, Veljko Milosavljević, from Red Star Belgrade on a five-year deal.

The 18-year-old arrives from Serbia, having been a part of the side that won the SuperLiga last season, breaking through to make 14 league appearances in the country’s top flight. In doing so, he became the third youngest debutant in the history of the club.

This season, Milosavljević has also featured in the Champions League play- offs for Red Star Belgrade, while also turning out in their opening league fixtures of the season.

The defender is capped at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 level for Serbia and will link up with his country again for the forthcoming international break.

The club’s President of Football Operations, Tiago Pinto, spoke with afcb.co.uk following Milosavljević’s signing: “I’m pleased that we have been able to add to our squad with the arrival of Veljko. The club is a great place for him to be and his game will develop further under the coaching and guidance of Andoni.

“He is a young talent, who has experience at a high level, and he will continue to progress by training on a daily basis alongside the experienced centre- backs we have at the club in Marcos Senesi, Bafodé Diakité and James Hill.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club after the international break and working with him to help fulfil his potential.”

Milosavljević also commented: “I am very happy to be part of the Bournemouth family. I can’t wait to meet the teammates, staff and fans of the club.

“It was always my dream to play in the Premier League as it is the best league in the world.

“I can’t wait to start working with Andoni Iraola as I’ve seen the progress that young players can make working with him.”

Milosavljević is the final addition to Andoni Iraola’s squad, which has seen Junior Kroupi, Adrien Truffert, Djordje Petrovic, Bafodé Diakité, Ben Gannon- Doak, Amine Adli and Alex Jiménez all added to the first team across the summer.