Lille’s dynamic and versatile defender, Bafodé Diakité, has emerged as a target for Sunderland as the Black Cats intensify their pursuit following a rejected bid from Bournemouth. The French journalist, Fabrice Hawkins, disclosed that Lille turned down Bournemouth’s offer of €30million, prompting Sunderland to step up their interest, notwithstanding the financial barrier of a potential €40million asking price from the Ligue 1 side.
Reports indicate that personal terms do not present an obstacle in the negotiations between Sunderland and Diakité, who, at just 24 years old, has already showcased his talents at both domestic and international levels. A key figure in Paulo Fonseca’s Lille side, Diakité’s positional flexibility, standing at an imposing 6ft 1in, and assertive style of defending have made him a sought-after player in the transfer market.
With Sunderland bolstering their squad with the impending arrival of Armand Laurienté from Sassuolo, the potential addition of Diakité would provide further reinforcement, especially given Bournemouth’s decision to withdraw from the negotiations. As Sunderland aim to solidify their defensive line ahead of the upcoming season, the allure of adding a player of Diakité’s calibre to their ranks is evident.
Hailing from the Toulouse academy, Diakité’s journey to becoming a mainstay at Lille, accumulating 85 appearances and 12 goals across all competitions, speaks volumes of his impact on the pitch. His contributions in both defensive solidity and attacking prowess have not gone unnoticed, with his inclusion in France’s youth teams and preliminary squad for the 2024 Olympics underscoring his potential across all levels of the game.
With over 200 senior appearances under his belt, Diakité’s proven track record in Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and European competition portrays a player ready to make a seamless transition to the demanding nature of the Premier League. Sunderland, recognizing his European pedigree, leadership qualities, and adeptness in various defensive roles, view Diakité as a player capable of making a substantial impact in their backline as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming campaign.
