Throughout this summer, the south coast side AFC Bournemouth have lost notable names in their squad as they undergo change following success last season.
However, some of those notable names have been replaced with notable arrivals, particularly of French descent. But which players have made the move across the Channel and what might they bring to the side?
The New French Additions
AFC Bournemouth signed Eli Junior Kroupi from FC Lorient in the January transfer window before loaning the player back for the season. The young French striker has now returned from the loan and is ready to embed himself in the first team, along with another French loanee, Romain Faivre.
In addition to this, the Cherries have purchased left-back Adrien Truffert from Stade Rennais, and are in the process of capturing Lille centre-back Bafode Diakite. The French centre-back will join the club and become the Cherries’ second most expensive signing ever, behind Evanilson.
Diakite will help to replace Ilya Zabarnyi, who appears to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, and Adrian Truffert will replace Milos Kerkez, who has recently signed for Liverpool.
Kroupi and Faivre may not see consistent first-team minutes. However, they will help to fill the void left by Jaidon Anthony and Daniel Jebbison, respectively.
What Will the New Additions Bring to the Side?
Although Romain Faivre is not technically a new addition, having been at Bournemouth for multiple years, the player has consistently been out on loan and should look to seize his opportunity at the club now, at the age of 26.
Faivre is an energetic attacking midfielder with a creative spark and an eye for goal, which he hopes to bring to the Premier League club this season.
Eli Junior Kroupi is a raw talent, at the age of 18. However, he has shown a deadly eye for goal whilst with Lorient, and an energetic burst of pace. Such form from the striker has helped his side get promoted back to Ligue 1.
Adrien Truffert was acquired on a deal worth around £14 million, which appears to be a good value deal for Andoni Iraola’s side. Truffert was the captain of Stade Rennais and joined with pedigree in the French leagues. His reliability and consistency on the left-hand side of the back four will be a key asset for Bournemouth.
With regards to pedigree, the impending arrival of centre-back Bafode Diakite will perhaps bring more excitement for Cherries fans.
Diakite has played 85 times in Ligue 1 for Lille since joining from Toulouse in 2022, along with 10 appearances in the Champions League last season.
As part of a successful Lille back four, the French centre-back also obtained 10 clean sheets last season. Further standout statistics from the player include 4.5 ball recoveries per game and 3.1 clearances per game.
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Ready for Kick-Off
Bournemouth have undergone big changes to their side in this transfer window, and have stuck to their recent philosophy – recruiting players at a lower value in the hope that they have potential to increase their value and perform well for the side.
The players who have left the club have largely been replaced by the hierarchy. Thus, Bournemouth fans should feel somewhat ready for the opening of the campaign on Friday night at Anfield.
Although it remains to be seen how the French additions embed themselves into the side, each player appears to bring talent in their own right.
Often in football, it also pays dividends when players are surrounded by their fellow countrymen, something which may also be a benefit with regards to Bournemouth’s recruitment.
After narrowly missing out on European football last year, AFC Bournemouth fans will be hoping that these players may help to right those wrongs this year.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 09.08.2025