Bournemouth Agree Personal Terms with Lille’s Bafodé Diakité
AFC Bournemouth have moved a step closer to landing Lille OSC defender Bafodé Diakité, with *L’Équipe* reporting that the Premier League club have agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old. However, despite this progress, the French outlet cautions that an agreement between the two clubs over a transfer fee remains “some way off.”
Diakité, who has been a standout performer in Ligue 1, is highly regarded for his versatility and defensive intelligence. Comfortable as both a centre-back and right-back, he has become a key part of Lille’s backline in recent seasons and was notably impressive during their 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League campaign. One of his standout displays came during the quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa at Villa Park on April 11, 2024, where he showcased his strength in the air and composure under pressure.
Bournemouth’s interest in Diakité signals their ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Under manager Andoni Iraola, the Cherries are looking to address defensive vulnerabilities that were exposed during the previous campaign, and Diakité is viewed as a player who could add much-needed resilience and depth.
Sources suggest Bournemouth have offered a competitive personal package that has satisfied the player’s expectations, clearing a significant hurdle in the transfer process. However, Lille’s asking price remains a sticking point. With Diakité still under contract for another year, the French club are reluctant to let him go without receiving what they believe to be fair market value. It is believed Lille are seeking a fee in the region of €20 million.
While Bournemouth are unlikely to meet that valuation outright, there is hope that a compromise could be reached, potentially involving performance-based add-ons or a structured payment plan. For now, though, the two clubs remain locked in negotiations, and no medical or formal agreement has been scheduled.
Diakité’s potential arrival would be seen as a coup for Bournemouth, who are keen to continue their trend of recruiting talented, young European players. At 24, Diakité has already amassed significant experience in both domestic and European competitions and is regarded as a player approaching his prime.
His physicality, tactical awareness, and ability to contribute going forward — particularly from wide defensive positions — make him a strong fit for Iraola’s system. If a deal can be struck, he would likely slot straight into the Cherries’ first-team plans.
For now, Bournemouth fans will need to remain patient as talks continue. The club’s successful negotiation of personal terms with Diakité is an encouraging sign, but with Lille playing hardball, the next phase of the deal promises to be more complex.
Still, with both sides engaged and the player reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, optimism remains that Bafodé Diakité could soon be wearing red and black on the south coast.
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