Premier League clubs made significant transfer moves ahead of the new season, highlighted by Bournemouth’s major defensive signing, Jack Grealish’s emotional departure from Manchester City, and Newcastle’s pursuit of midfield reinforcement. Bournemouth secured French defender Bafode Diakite, Grealish reacted to his Everton loan move, and Newcastle opened talks for Jacob Ramsey.
Bournemouth completed their second-most expensive signing ever with the £34.6 million acquisition of French centre-back Bafode Diakite from Lille. The 24-year-old defender, who made 31 Ligue 1 appearances last season, joins for an initial £30.3 million with potential add-ons reaching £4.3 million. Diakite immediately joins Andoni Iraola’s squad and could debut in Bournemouth’s Premier League opener against Liverpool. His signing follows Bournemouth’s defensive reshuffle after selling Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain.
Jack Grealish expressed strong emotions about his season-long loan move to Everton from Manchester City. The 29-year-old winger called the transfer “massive” and cited conversations with Everton manager David Moyes as decisive in his choice. Grealish acknowledged being “flooded with messages from Everton supporters” on social media, influencing his decision. This move comes after Grealish was left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, with the player targeting a return to international football under Thomas Tuchel.
Newcastle United entered negotiations with Aston Villa for midfielder Jacob Ramsey, as confirmed by multiple reports. Villa are open to selling the academy product to address Financial Fair Play concerns, as Ramsey’s sale would represent pure profit on their accounts. The 23-year-old remains popular with Villa supporters despite injury setbacks, with manager Unai Emery previously blocking his departure during the January 2024 transfer window.
The Diakite transfer significantly strengthens Bournemouth’s defense following Zabarnyi’s departure. Diakite brings Champions League experience from Lille, where he scored 13 goals in 112 appearances. His physicality and aerial ability add new dimensions to Bournemouth’s backline ahead of their challenging opener against champions Liverpool.
Grealish’s loan to Everton marks a career reset after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City. Despite winning multiple trophies including three Premier League titles and the Champions League, the £100 million signing struggled for consistent playing time last season. His move to Everton reunites him with former England teammate Jordan Pickford and provides a platform to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ramsey’s potential move to Newcastle would continue the midfielder’s development under Eddie Howe’s system. As an attacking midfielder who can play centrally or wide, Ramsey would offer creativity to a Newcastle squad competing in European competitions. His departure from Villa would follow the club’s strategy of monetizing academy products to balance finances.
Looking ahead, Diakite could make his Bournemouth debut against Liverpool on Friday. Grealish will aim to secure a starting role at Everton as he targets England recall. Ramsey’s transfer talks between Newcastle and Villa are expected to accelerate this week as both clubs seek to finalize squads before the transfer window closes.