Enes Unal Returns to Getafe After Bournemouth Spell

Enes Unal has ended his Bournemouth spell and returned to familiar ground at Getafe, completing a free transfer back to the Spanish club.

The 29-year-old Turkey international leaves the south coast with Bournemouth still financially involved in his future. The Cherries could earn up to £1.3m in bonuses and hold a 20% sell-on clause should Getafe move him on.

Unal’s time in England never really caught fire. Injuries repeatedly stalled his progress and he finished with 58 appearances and five goals in all competitions, a modest return for a forward signed with high hopes.

He first arrived at Bournemouth on loan from Getafe in January 2024, a mid-season gamble designed to add depth and a different profile in attack. The club liked enough of what they saw to make the deal permanent later that year for around £13m, but the partnership never fully settled.

Even so, inside the camp he clearly made his mark.

“A popular figure within the squad, Unal leaves having made a positive contribution both on and off the pitch during his time with the Cherries,” the club said in a statement, before adding their thanks and best wishes for the next chapter of his career.

For Bournemouth, the decision also fits a broader strategy. The club have been looking to trim their wage bill and are close to wrapping up their summer transfer business. With Unal gone, attention turns to the next outgoing: they are working on a move that would see full-back Max Aarons leave the club.

Unal, meanwhile, walks back into a dressing room and a league he knows well. Getafe get their former striker back. Bournemouth move on with a leaner squad and a little more room to manoeuvre.