Bournemouth signed Lille’s Bafode Diakite for five years on Wednesday. Club history’s second most expensive acquisition.
The British media said that Bournemouth paid 35 million euros ($41 million) plus 5 million euros ($5.86 million) in add-ons. This is the club’s second-highest payment after 40.2 million pounds ($54.49 million) for Evanilson last year.
On Friday night, Bournemouth will meet Liverpool at Anfield to start the Premier League. Diakite might wear 18 for Cherries in this game. The Frenchman has 112 Lille appearances and 13 goals.
Diakite fills in for Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen and PSG-bound Illia Zabarnyi.
The center-back said the coach has great ideas and this is a great opportunity for him to show them how he can help the team as a forward.
“I know the coach has great ideas that help us do well in the Premier League.” Diakite said “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 he enjoyed playing with the ball as a defender. He will demonstrate his expertise and assist the team.
“I play defense and enjoy playing with the ball. I want to exhibit my skills with and without the ball.” Diakite concluded, “I will give everything for the team, and I hope we will have some great times together.”
