Bournemouth have signed French defender Bafode Diakite from Ligue 1 side Lille.
The 24-year-old, who will wear the No 18 shirt, becomes the Cherries' fourth summer addition, joining the south coast club after spending his entire professional career in France.
“I’m really happy to be here and I’m very excited to start with the team," Diakite told the official club website. "I know the coach has great ideas which enables us to play well in the Premier League. Now I’m at the club, it’s a good opportunity to show how I can help the team going forward.
“I’m a defender who likes to have the ball and play with it, and I hope to show my qualities both with and without it. I will give everything for the team and I hope we will have some great moments together.”
Bournemouth’s defensive rebuild continues with the arrival of Diakite, their third new addition at the back this summer after signing goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea and defender Adrien Truffert from Rennes.
This follows a string of major defensive departures with Illia Zabarnyi leaving for Paris Saint-Germain, Dean Huijsen joining Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez moving to Liverpool.
The streets won't forget this Bournemouth defence, who have all moved on this summer 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/KwNzTKEoM1
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 12, 2025
Diakite’s career so far
Diakite was born on 6 January 2001 in Toulouse, France, and is of Guinean descent.
He began playing football at the age of seven with Toulouse ACF before joining Toulouse’s academy at 12.
On 5 December 2018, at just 17 years old, Diakite made his first senior start for Toulouse in a Ligue 1 match against Reims.
After nine years with his boyhood club, he left in August 2022 to sign for Lille.
During the 2024/25 season, Diakite established himself as one of Lille’s key players, forming one of the league’s most solid central defensive partnerships alongside Alexsandro.
Comfortable both at centre-back and right-back, he is known for his physical strength, pace and excellent reading of the game.
In attack, particularly from set-pieces, his aerial ability makes him a constant threat.
Internationally, Diakite has represented France at U16, U18, U19 and U21 levels, but is yet to make his senior debut.
Diakite's signing reveal video
Next in line... 👑 pic.twitter.com/YxvicAArc2
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 13, 2025
When could Diakite make his debut for Bournemouth?
Diakite could make his first appearance for the Cherries in their Premier League season opener on 15 August, when they visit champions Liverpool.