Premier League club AFC Bournemouth has completed the signing of French centre-back Bafodé Diakité from Lille. The 24-year-old has joined the South Coast side under a five-year contract, becoming Bournemouth’s second-biggest acquisition in the club’s history.
Although the club has yet to officially disclose the financial terms, multiple outlets report the transfer is valued at approximately €35 million plus €5 million in potential add-ons—placing the deal just behind the striking purchase of Evanilson last year.
Diakité will don the number 18 jersey and is expected to be available for Bournemouth’s season opener at Anfield against Liverpool on August 15.
Diakité’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Bournemouth, who have seen significant departures in recent months.
Their defensive unit has been reshaped by the £50 million sale of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, the high-value move of Illia Zabarnyi to PSG for around €70 million, and the transfer of left-back Milos Kerkez to Liverpool.
In a brief statement marking his move, Diakité conveyed both enthusiasm and confidence: “I know the coach has great ideas, which enables us to play well in the Premier League. Now I’m at the club, it’s a good opportunity to show how I can help the team going forward.”
“I’m a defender who likes to have the ball and play with it, and I hope to show my qualities both with and without it. I will give everything for the team and I hope we will have some great moments together.”
Diakité’s journey to the Premier League has been one of steady progression. Born on January 6, 2001, in Toulouse, to Guinean parents, he began his footballing education at age seven and rose through the Toulouse academy, making his Ligue 1 debut at just 17 years old.
He earned a move to Lille in August 2022, where he became an integral part of the side, making 110 appearances across all competitions and scoring 13 goals.
With Lille, he formed a formidable centre-back partnership and earned a reputation for his physical presence, bravery in the air, and composure on the ball.