Hamed Junior Traoré has given his approval to join Olympique de Marseille, with the French club now working to finalise terms with Bournemouth before the close of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old Ivorian international has emerged as a key target for Marseille in recent weeks and has now signalled his desire to make the move.
According to RMC, the attacking midfielder is fully open to the transfer, providing a major boost to the Ligue 1 side’s ambitions of strengthening their squad.
For Marseille, the next step is reaching an agreement with Bournemouth over the structure of the deal.
Discussions are expected to focus on a loan move that would include an option to buy, giving the French vice-champions a measure of flexibility in the transaction.
Traoré, who joined Bournemouth from Sassuolo in January 2023, has found opportunities limited in the Premier League and is keen to reignite his career in France.
The Ivorian has already demonstrated his ability in Ligue 1, most notably during his spell with AJ Auxerre in the 2024–25 campaign, where he impressed with his technical ability and creativity.
His versatility across attacking midfield roles is seen as an asset by Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi, who is seeking to inject pace and unpredictability into his side.
Marseille’s interest in Traoré comes as part of a broader recruitment push ahead of the transfer deadline. Alongside their pursuit of the Bournemouth player, the club is also negotiating with Real Madrid over a potential deal for Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos.
That move, believed to involve a loan with an obligation to buy, underlines the determination of the Marseille board to provide De Zerbi with additional quality in midfield.
For Traoré, a move to the Stade Vélodrome would represent both a new challenge and a return to familiar ground.
His previous Ligue 1 experience ensures he is well acquainted with the demands of French football, and his profile aligns with Marseille’s vision of blending energy, technical flair, and attacking threat.
The player’s willingness to join OM is regarded as a decisive step forward, particularly given the timing so close to the transfer deadline.
With Marseille chasing success domestically and in Europe, the Ivorian’s arrival could add valuable depth as the season intensifies.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s position will be key in determining the outcome. The Premier League side invested significantly in Traoré but may be open to a loan arrangement if it provides financial security through a purchase option.
For the Cherries, the decision will balance their own squad requirements with the player’s wish for more consistent playing time.
As negotiations continue, the coming days will be critical in deciding whether Marseille can secure the signing before the window shuts.
With Traoré already signalling his intent, the focus now shifts firmly onto the talks between the two clubs.
If completed, the deal would hand Marseille a versatile addition capable of lifting their attacking play, while offering Traoré the opportunity to re-establish himself at a high level after a challenging spell in England.
