Bournemouth defender Alex Jiménez has completed a season-long loan move to Fiorentina despite remaining under investigation by the Football Association over allegations relating to social media messages sent to a child.
The Serie A side have secured the 21-year-old on an initial loan agreement that includes an option to make the transfer permanent for €20 million (£17 million) at the end of the season. The deal allows Jiménez to continue his career in Italy while the investigation in England remains ongoing.
The FA formally suspended Jiménez from participating in domestic football after launching an investigation into allegations that he exchanged direct messages on Instagram with a girl who stated she was 15 years old. Screenshots of the alleged conversation surfaced on social media in May, prompting Bournemouth to immediately remove the defender from their matchday squad ahead of a Premier League fixture against Fulham.
Neither the Football Association nor Bournemouth has announced the outcome of the investigation, and no findings have been made public. Sources close to the transfer negotiations said it was considered “best for all parties” for the player to leave on loan while the process continues, citing a duty of care towards the defender.
When the allegations first emerged, Bournemouth described the matter as serious and confirmed the player would not be considered for selection while inquiries were underway.
In a statement released in May, the club said it was aware of posts circulating on social media involving Jiménez and confirmed the matter was under investigation. Head coach Andoni Iraola also stated at the time that the club needed to establish the facts before reaching any conclusions.
Jiménez initially joined Bournemouth on loan from AC Milan before the Cherries exercised an obligation to make the move permanent in February. The Premier League club paid £16.4 million, with a further £4.3 million in potential add-ons, to secure the Spain Under-21 international on a contract running until 2031.
Before being suspended, the former Real Madrid academy product had established himself as a regular in Bournemouth’s side. He made 32 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, scoring once, and had missed only one league match since the previous December before his omission following the allegations.
Fiorentina’s agreement gives the Italian club the opportunity to make the transfer permanent next summer, while Bournemouth will reportedly also retain a percentage of any future sale should the option be exercised.
The investigation by the Football Association remains ongoing, and no timetable has been announced for its conclusion.
