After flirting with the Premier League’s European places in the early months of the season, Bournemouth’s campaign stalled. Andoni Iraola’s side plummeted down the league table, falling as low as 15th.
However, things went from bad to worse as Antoine Semenyo departed for Manchester City, setting the south coast side up for a busy and sleepless month.
While links to Brazilian wonderkid Rayan suggest that attacking reinforcements may follow, it is the engine room where the Cherries seem ready to strike first.
That addition seems to be 20-year-old central midfielder, Alex Tóth. Bournemouth had reportedly agreed a deal worth €12m and add-ons with Ferencváros, beating competition from Galatasaray and Lazio to capture one of Europe’s most highly regarded young midfielders.
As Iraola’s side remain without Tyler Adams, who is recovering from an MCL injury, the Hungarian will immediately add much-needed depth to Bournemouth’s midfield, alongside having the potential to become a star at the Vitality Stadium in the future.
So, who is Alex Tóth, why have top clubs in Europe’s top five leagues been after his signature, and what can he bring to the Premier League?
Career in Hungary
At just 20 years old, Tóth as had quite the early career in Hungary, with his career trajectory handsomely rising within the past 12 months.
After representing Hungary at the Under-17 and 18 levels, the midfielder made his Ferencvaros debut in the 2022/23 season, appearing twice in NB I. Following his senior debut for Ferencváros, Tóth joined Soroksar Sport Club 1905 for two campaigns, making 23 appearances across the stint.
Nevertheless, returned to Ferencváros, looking to break into the first team as a teenager, with the Hungarian appearing on six occasions.
At the age of 18, Tóth had quickly gained experience within Hungary’s top two divisions, and with the country’s youth national ranks, and in the 2024/25 season, the midfield was set to explode onto the scene.
With Ferencváros winning the NB I for the sixth-straight season, Tóth started the season on the bench. However, as the season progressed, the 20-year-old became a key cog in the machine of the Hungarian champions, scoring two goals and assisting eight.
Continuing his form into 2025, Tóth has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Robbie Keane’s side, registering two goals and four assists, typically from the left side of a midfield three.
Learning under the guidance of an experienced coaching staff and Champions League winner in Naby Keita, the midfield maestro has rapidly developed into one of the highest-regarded talents in European football, with some dubbing him the next Dominik Szoboszalai.
Player profile
A mature and level-headed talent for his age, having captained Ferencváros at the age of 18, Tóth is a versatile midfielder who can play in a defensive, central, or attacking role.
Primarily, Toth is a deep-lying playmaker, being someone who will come into Bournemouth’s midfield and add energy and aggression.
When on the ball, the Hungarian wants to be progressive, advancing the ball forwards as he averages 6.8 ball recoveries partnered by 74 progressive passes per 90, with a pass accuracy of 89.4%.
Like his future midfield teammate, Alex Scott, Tóth wants to be a creator; he likes to have the ball at his feet, dribbling forwards, and picking the lock of a defence. According to FootyStats, Tóth’s 2.09 successful dribbles per 90 would place him among Bournemouth’s most effective ball carries this season.
Alternatively, to his ball-carrying ability, the emerging-Hungarian international will also add to their attack through his threat from set pieces. For Ferencváros, Tóth often takes corners and free kicks, providing an inswinging delivery with his right foot.
On the other hand, the 20-year-old will perfectly fit Iraola’s gegenpressing system, thanks to his off-ball work. Once possession has been lost, Tóth immediately wants to win the ball back, pushing forward, pressing opponents, and often challenging in the opposition’s half.
Per 90, the midfielder engages in 10.98 ground duels at a success rate of 50.4%. Likely to thrive next to a sitting midfielder such as Lewis Cook or Adams, Tóth could advance into a position alongside Eli Junior Kroupi or Evanilson in the Cherries’ frontline, forcing turnovers.
On paper, the Hungarian’s profile fits Iraola’s Bournemouth like a glove, with the manager’s philosophies and style complementing the young midfielder’s energetic game.
Insight from an expert
After being somewhat of an unknown quantity in the early stages of the January window, Tóth is set to join the Cherries as an intriguing and highly touted young prospect.
To better understand Tóth’s readiness for English football, Hungarian football expert and journalist Ben Bocsak offered his assessment.
“I think that he will do really well. He’s got the physicality for the Premier League, and he’s a very technical player too.
“He’s more of an eight for sure, rather than being a six. He’s also someone who can play in the 10 too. He played in a more advanced role for Hungary and Ferencváros in the bigger Europa League games.
After six games of the Europa League league phase, Ferencváros sit in 6th spot with 14 points, above the likes of FC Porto, Nottingham Forest, and Roma, the midfielder appearing in five fixtures and providing an assist.
“I think that he could work well with Scott. Alex (Toth) could do a lot of the running; he’s an engine.
“But the Premier League is a different beast. He will need time.”
Potential
Without stepping a foot in top five European league action, it is hard to gauge the ceiling and potential of Tóth.
However, at the age of 20, the central midfielder ticks all the boxes for a Premier League manager, being efficient on both ends of the field and working hard off the ball.
If Tóth adapts quickly, Bournemouth may have secured not just depth for January, but the heartbeat of Iraola’s midfield for years to come.