Bafodé Diakité has completed a high-profile transfer from LOSC Lille to AFC Bournemouth, joining the Premier League club on a contract running until 2030.
The 24-year-old French central defender arrives as a direct replacement for Illya Zabarnyi, who left the Cherries for Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Bournemouth secured Diakité’s services for a reported fee of €40 million, according to French outlet L’Équipe.
The deal brings to an end the player’s three-year spell at Lille, a period marked by domestic consistency and a commendable run in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
In an official statement, Lille expressed their gratitude to the France under-21 international for his commitment and professionalism during his time with the club.
“Bafo’, you are a Dogue forever. Good luck!” the Ligue 1 side said, underlining the high regard in which he was held at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The move continues a growing pattern for Lille, who have regularly transferred their top defensive talents to England’s top flight in recent years.
Gabriel’s €26 million switch to Arsenal in 2020, Sven Botman’s €37 million move to Newcastle United in 2022, and Leny Yoro’s €62 million transfer to Manchester United in 2024 have all highlighted the French club’s track record of developing and selling high-value defenders.
With Diakité’s departure, Lille’s earnings from these four sales alone now total around €165 million.
Bournemouth, who were quick to act following Zabarnyi’s departure, see Diakité as a long-term solution in their defensive line. The Cherries will be hoping his blend of composure, aerial dominance and ball-playing ability can help solidify their backline for years to come.
Diakité’s rise has been steady and calculated. Since breaking into professional football, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable presence at the heart of defence.
His performances for Lille this season, particularly in European competition, caught the attention of multiple clubs, but Bournemouth ultimately moved decisively to secure his signature.
For Lille, the sale represents both a significant profit and another chapter in their now well-established transfer strategy.
The club has built a reputation for scouting and nurturing promising talent before selling them at peak value, reinvesting in new prospects to sustain competitiveness in Ligue 1 and in continental tournaments.
While supporters will no doubt miss Diakité’s influence on the pitch, his transfer fee provides Lille with financial muscle ahead of the next transfer window.
For the player himself, the move to the Premier League offers the chance to test himself against some of the world’s best attackers and to further his ambitions at both club and international level.
Bournemouth fans will be eager to see how quickly their new signing adapts to English football. With a long-term contract in place, both club and player will be hoping this marks the beginning of a fruitful chapter, one that could help the Cherries push for stability and progression in the Premier League.
Bafodé Diakité.
Our new centre-back 😍 pic.twitter.com/a6D7TuiQgb
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 13, 2025
