AFC Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing could return to the Premier League this summer with Daniel Farke's Norwich City keen, according to the Mirror.

The former Huddersfield Town midfielder joined the Cherries from the Terriers in the summer of 2019 for £15m - but suffered another relegation the following season and found himself back in the second tier.

Despite this, Billing stayed with the south coast side and was part of a team that lost to Brentford in the playoff semi-finals last month. With Bournemouth staying in the Championship and Norwich City achieving automatic promotion back to the top flight, Farke's side could now make a move for the man who has three years of Premier League experience under his belt at 25.

For Bournemouth, it would be a massive blow to lose the central midfielder, but their failure to win promotion is likely to push the Dane further towards the exit door. However, it might not all be doom and gloom if the Cherries decide to cash in on one of their prized assets.

Let's take a look at two pros and two cons to Bournemouth if Billing leaves for the Premier League this summer.

Pro: Better to sell him if Billing's head is turned

There would be nothing worse than having an unsettled player in the squad ahead of what will be a major season in the club's history.

Although the team no longer play in the Premier League, possible signings, departures and an appointment of a new manager will make this summer an important one - and if Bournemouth fail to win promotion again - they could potentially stay in the Championship for a number of years and have to cut costs further.

If Billing's head is turned by Premier League interest, there's no point having him there. And if Bournemouth are to return to the top flight, every squad member needs to be fully focused and committed to the cause and any passengers should be sold by the new manager, whoever they might be.

Con: They will miss his goals from midfield

Despite operating as a central midfielder, Billing has been a considerable attacking threat for Bournemouth and bagged himself eight goals last season, goals they will miss if Billing decides his time at the Vitality Stadium is up.

The Danish midfielder may not have scored the 17 goals Arnaut Danjuma did last season but when chasing promotion, contributions from across the pitch are dearly needed.

Billing also had four assists to his name in the 2020/21 campaign, four extra goals that could make the difference between the difference between promotion and staying down, and therefore the difference between prosperity and mediocrity.

This makes it essential Bournemouth sign an adequate replacement for the 25-year-old if he moves on.

 

 

Pro: Cash for the new manager to spend

According to that report in the Mirror, the midfielder is currently valued at £15m, a healthy sum of money that could be put towards the new manager's transfer kitty.

After Jonathan Woodgate failed to guide the club to the Premier League, they are still on the prowl for a new man to take over and if this saga drags on, the person that is appointed may need that extra bit of cash to get deals over the line later on in the window.

However, if Bournemouth are brave, they could potentially play hardball with Norwich and other interested sides, with Billing still having four years left on his contract after signing a five-year deal on his arrival from Huddersfield last summer.

If that tactic could maximise the price tag, it could give Bournemouth even more money to spend in the transfer window as they look to replace departing players and strengthen in key areas.

Con: Risk of midfielder breaking up

According to Colombia's Marcia, Jefferson Lerma could potentially reunited with Eddie Howe at Everton, with the 43-year-old reported to be very interested in taking over at Goodison Park.

With both Lerma and Billing potentially departing, Bournemouth may need to make two big signings in the middle of the park to replace them adequately and with a new manager coming in late as things stand, this could cause even more chaos.

Jack Wilshere was also released last month, leaving Lewis Cook and Ben Pearson as the main two options in the middle of the park. Is a central midfield rebuild exactly what the Cherries need at this time of great uncertainty? Probably not.