Bournemouth have initiated talks with Ligue 1 club Lille to secure the signature of 24-year-old French defender Bafodé Diakité, according to French outlet L'Equipe. The versatile centre-back has emerged as a top priority for the Premier League side as they look to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Diakité, known for his athleticism, composure on the ball, and ability to play multiple defensive roles, has been a standout performer for Lille in recent seasons. The 24-year-old has earned plaudits for his physical presence and tactical intelligence, making him an attractive prospect for Bournemouth as they aim to strengthen their backline under manager Andoni Iraola.
🚨Le président du LOSC veut 35M€ pour Bafodé Diakité. Le défenseur est la priorité de Bournemouth pour remplacer Illia Zabarnyi sur le départ.
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) July 2, 2025
🔹Sur le principe le défenseur de Lille et le club anglais sont d’accord mais les deux clubs sont loin d’avoir trouvé un terrain… pic.twitter.com/3vehADkwhP
The Cherries, who have enjoyed a solid campaign in the Premier League, are keen to add depth and quality to their squad following Dean Huijsen's move to Real Madrid and Illya Zabarnyi's links with PSG. Diakité’s ability to operate as both a centre-back and a right-back aligns perfectly with Iraola’s system, which often demands flexibility from its defenders.
While no financial details of the potential transfer have been disclosed, Lille are known for driving a hard bargain for their top talents. Diakité, who is under contract with the French club until 2026, could command a significant fee, especially given his growing reputation and potential for further development.
