Bournemouth confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed Bafode Diakite from Lille for five years. This is the second most costly acquisition in the club’s history.
The British media also said that Bournemouth paid a transfer price of about 35 million euros ($41 million) plus 5 million euros ($5.86 million) in add-ons. This is the second biggest amount the club has ever paid, after the 40.2 million pounds ($54.49 million) they paid for Evanilson a year ago.
On Friday night, Bournemouth will play Liverpool at Anfield to start the Premier League season. Diakite could wear the number 18 shirt for the Cherries in this game. The Frenchman has played 112 times for Lille and scored 13 goals.
Diakite helps fill in for Dean Huijsen, who went for Real Madrid, and Illia Zabarnyi, who left for Paris Saint-Germain. The center-back stated in a statement that the coach has fantastic ideas and that this is a perfect chance for him to show them how he can serve the squad as a forward.
“I know the coach has great ideas that help us do well in the Premier League.” Diakite remarked, “Now that I’m at the club, it’s a good time to show how I can help the team in the future.”
He said that he is a defender who likes to have the ball and play with it. He will show off his skills and do everything he can to help the squad.
“I play defense and like to have the ball and play with it. I hope to show my skills both with and without the ball.” “I will give everything for the team, and I hope we will have some great times together,” Diakite said in closing.
