Technical director Simon Francis to leave Bournemouth following Al Hilal approach
Technical director Simon Francis to leave Bournemouth following Al Hilal approach Simon Francis is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, bringing an end to a long association with the club both on and off the pitch. The 41-year-old, who previously captained Bournemouth during his playing career, has worked in a senior off-field role since 2021 and was promoted to technical director in 2024. Francis stepped into the position following the departure of Richard Hughes, who moved to Liverpool.
His exit marks another significant change behind the scenes at Bournemouth ahead of the summer, with further restructuring expected. A move abroad is already being discussed , with Al Hilal among the clubs linked with a potential approach. The Saudi Pro League side are believed to be exploring options to strengthen their football operations, although no formal agreement has been reached at this stage.
Francis is understood to have attracted interest from multiple suitors, reflecting his growing reputation in recruitment and squad development. During his time as technical director, Bournemouth have overseen a number of notable transfer dealings. One of the most significant was the signing of young defender Dean Huijsen, who was later sold for a substantial profit after impressing during his time at the club.
The recruitment of forward Eli Junior Kroupi has also proven successful, with the teenager emerging as one of the Premier League’s standout young players this season. Bournemouth have also managed several high-value outgoing transfers in recent windows, including the sale of Antoine Semenyo, as part of a model focused on identifying and developing talent. Those decisions have helped the club remain competitive despite regular turnover within the squad.
Francis played a key role in shaping that strategy, building on the foundations established during his earlier work within the club’s recruitment department. His departure comes at a time when Bournemouth are enjoying one of their strongest Premier League campaigns. The club are pushing for a potential European qualification spot, having already recorded one of their highest points totals in the top flight.