EXCLUSIVE: AFC Bournemouth reach verbal agreement to sign Bafodé Diakité on permanent deal from LOSC Lille, here we go! Transfer fee around €20 million. Diakité has accepted the destination. Time for paperwork between clubs.

July 1, 2025 Admin AFC Bournemouth 0

Guinean defender Bafodé Diakité to miss Lille's clash against Marseille on Sunday due to suspension - AfricaSoccer.com

Bournemouth open talks for Lille’s Bafodé Diakité

Bournemouth have opened discussions with Lille over the signing of Bafodé Diakité (24), with the French defender emerging as a top priority for the Premier League side this summer according to a report from L’Équipe.

Bournemouth are preparing for major changes in central defence. Following the €62m sale of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid earlier this month, Ilya Zabarni is also closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain. To rebuild their backline the Cherries are targeting Diakité, whose strong Champions League performances with Lille — particularly against Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund — have not gone unnoticed.

The former France U21 international formed a solid partnership with Alexsandro during LOSC’s 2024/25. Lille qualified for European competition once again under Bruno Génésio but risk losing a key defensive figure. Les Dogues are likely to command a significant fee for a player entering his prime, and is under contract until 2027.

Rangers in talks with Bournemouth over Joe Rothwell deal

The 30-year-old midfielder won promotion with Leeds United last season and has one year left on his current deal.

If a permanent move is agreed, Rothwell would sign a two-year contract with the Light Blues.

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Rothwell played under boss Russell Martin at Southampton, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

He would join the squad in the middle of the park alongside Lyall Cameron, Connor Barron, Nico Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, Nedim Bajrami, and Bailey Rice.

Rangers have already signed one player from Bournemouth during the summer transfer window, right-back Max Aarons on a loan deal.

Lyall Cameron was another summer signing, also competing for a place in central midfield.

Rangers are in talks with Bournemouth over a permanent deal for midfielder Joe Rothwell.

The 30-year-old played under Russell Martin at Southampton as he helped them to win promotion to the Premier League while on loan from the Cherries.

Rothwell then spent last season on loan at Leeds United, once again winning promotion out of the Championship and making 36 appearances along the way.

With one year left on his deal, Gers chiefs are in talks with Bournemouth over a permanent deal as reported by Rangers Review.

Rothwell would sign a two-year deal at Ibrox if the discussions are successful.

The Light Blues have already signed one player from Bournemouth in this window, right-back Max Aarons on a year-long loan deal. He is another known to Martin after playing together at Norwich.

Lyall Cameron is the other summer signing to date and would be in direct competition with Rothwell in the middle of the park, along with Connor Barron, Nico Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, Nedim Bajrami and Bailey Rice.

Meanwhile, Rangers are close to appointing ex-Arsenal goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo as part of Russell Martin’s staff.

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