AFC Bournemouth have officially completed the signing of French centre-back Bafodé Diakité from Ligue 1 side Lille, making him the club’s second-most expensive signing in history.

The 24-year-old arrives on a €35 million deal plus €5 million in add-ons, following the high-profile departures of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain. The record fee remains the club’s £40.2 million signing of Evanilson.

> “I’m really happy to be here and excited to start with the team,” Diakité said. “The coach has great ideas for how we can play well in the Premier League, and I’m ready to show how I can help the team.”

Premier League-Ready Defender

Diakité is known for his ball-playing ability and defensive strength. He joins Bournemouth on a five-year contract until 2030, wearing the No. 18 shirt.

Bournemouth’s Summer Transfer Activity

The Frenchman becomes Bournemouth’s third summer signing, following goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and left-back Adrien Truffert.

Petrovic replaces Kepa Arrizabalaga, who returned to Chelsea before joining Arsenal.

Truffert steps in for Milos Kerkez, who signed for Liverpool.


Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid came after the Spanish giants triggered his £50 million release clause, while Zabarnyi joined PSG in a deal worth €63 million plus €3 million in add-ons.

Manager Andoni Iraola has made it clear that Bournemouth will target two new centre-backs before the transfer window closes to replace the defensive duo.