AFC Bournemouth have dropped defender Alex Jimenez from their squad after screenshots and videos allegedly showing conversations with a minor surfaced online. The Premier League club also confirmed that an internal investigation into the matter has now been launched.
The 21-year-old, who has become a regular under Andoni Iraola this season, will not be part of Bournemouth’s squad for Saturday’s clash against Fulham F.C..
“AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jimenez,” the club said in an official statement.
“The club understand the seriousness of the matter, and it is currently being investigated…As a result, Alex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Fulham, and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
The controversy erupted after screenshots and videos began circulating online earlier this week, allegedly showing inappropriate conversations involving accounts said to belong to underage girls.
The posts triggered major backlash on social media, with Bournemouth quickly responding publicly before Friday’s pre-match media duties. Manager Iraola also briefly addressed the situation while speaking to reporters.
“The club has to do their investigations and see what has really happened,” Iraola said.
“We will then move from there. I hope it’s not what we think.”
Jimenez has featured in every Premier League match for Bournemouth since November and had become one of the key pieces in Iraola’s system during the club’s push for European qualification.
WHO IS ALEX JIMENEZ?
Jimenez is regarded as one of Spain’s promising young defenders and mainly operates as a full-back.
Born in Madrid, the 21-year-old spent nearly a decade in Real Madrid Castilla’s youth setup before eventually joining A.C. Milan in 2023.
Bournemouth signed him on loan from Milan last summer before later agreeing a permanent deal in February that would reportedly keep him at the club until 2031.
He has also represented Spain at youth international level.
This season, Jimenez became a regular starter for Bournemouth, starting almost every Premier League game since November as the club climbed into sixth place in the table.
With just three games left in the season, Bournemouth remain firmly in the race for European football.
WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ALEX JIMENEZ?
Bournemouth’s investigation follows the circulation of screenshots and videos online that allegedly show Jimenez involved in conversations with a 15-year-old girl.
The screenshots, widely shared across social media platforms, reportedly contain inappropriate exchanges linked to accounts believed to belong to underage girls.
At this stage, Bournemouth have not disclosed further details publicly and have confirmed they will not comment further while the investigation continues.
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