Daniel Farke’s side still have plenty of time to assert themselves as promotion competitors – but it will be difficult for them to secure a top-tier return if they don’t strengthen considerably and remove bad eggs from their squad.

There were promising signs against West Bromwich Albion last night but they are a long way from where they need to be and that comes as no surprise considering how messy their summer has been.

Not only did it take a while for their takeover to be ratified, putting them at a disadvantage in the transfer market with their competitors already making moves, but they now have players who are pushing for exits.

A move to Bournemouth is probably appealing because of this reason and many others, with the Cherries having a good chance of keeping themselves afloat in the top tier beyond the end of the 2023/24 campaign when you consider the transfer business they have conducted.