Liverpool join Chelsea in race for Alex Scott as Bournemouth weigh release clause

Liverpool have joined Chelsea in pursuing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the 23-year-old’s contract situation opening a potential pathway for the Reds to sign a player Anfield manager Andoni Iraola knows well from his time on the south coast.

Scott’s current Bournemouth deal, signed in 2023, is set to enter its final year next summer. According to TEAMtalk, Bournemouth have sent the Guernsey-born midfielder multiple contract renewal proposals and are working to include a release clause in any new agreement — a measure designed to protect the club’s valuation and avoid losing him for below his market rate. Transfermarkt currently values Scott at €50 million.

The development has alerted Liverpool, who have now entered the race alongside Chelsea. The Blues registered strong interest in Scott during the summer transfer window but were rebuffed, with Bournemouth unwilling to lose a key player ahead of their first European campaign. FourFourTwo understands Bournemouth are targeting January as a deadline to get a new deal agreed.

Iraola worked closely with Scott during his tenure at Bournemouth, where the midfielder flourished in the second half of last season. That familiarity is understood to be a significant factor in Liverpool’s interest, with Scott already versed in the specific defensive and positional demands the Basque coach places on his midfielders.

Liverpool’s current central midfield options — Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister — are all considered forward-thinking players, and reinforcing the engine room has been identified as a priority. Teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni has featured in recent weeks, but a more experienced addition is seen as necessary.

Scott’s form has earned him a second England call-up under Thomas Tuchel, though he is yet to make his senior international debut. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are mindful of last season’s precedent, when Antoine Semenyo departed for Manchester City in the January window — a situation the club are keen not to repeat with one of their most valuable assets.