In one of the most surprising and ambitious moves of the 2025 summer transfer window, Polish side Lech Poznań have officially announced the signing of Dango Ouattara from Premier League club AFC Bournemouth for a reported £50 million. The deal sets a new club-record fee for Lech and positions them as serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions. It also marks a rare instance of a high-profile Premier League player moving to the Polish Ekstraklasa, signaling a new era for the Poznań-based club.
Ouattara, a 23-year-old winger from Burkina Faso, rose to prominence during his time at FC Lorient in France before earning a move to Bournemouth in January 2023. Known for his speed, dribbling ability, and relentless work rate, he quickly became a key figure at the English club. In the 2024–25 Premier League season, he scored nine goals and added four assists in 30 appearances. His standout performance included a memorable hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, which brought him to the attention of several top European clubs.
Before Lech secured his signature, Ouattara had been linked with moves to Serie A giants Napoli and AC Milan, as well as Premier League sides Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Despite Bournemouth’s initial valuation of around £34 million, Lech Poznań’s determination to outbid their European rivals led them to finalize the deal at £50 million. This aggressive approach underscores Lech’s ambition to compete not just in Poland, but in continental tournaments like the UEFA Europa League and possibly the Champions League.
For Lech Poznań, the acquisition of Ouattara represents a major milestone in the club’s strategy to grow both its brand and footballing strength. The club’s recent domestic success has laid the groundwork for greater investment, and bringing in a player with Premier League experience is a strong statement of intent. The management is confident that Ouattara’s presence will add firepower to their attacking line-up and inspire confidence across the squad.
As the new season approaches, anticipation is high among Lech supporters. The signing has already generated buzz across Europe, with many wondering if the club can now translate their investment into on-pitch success. Ouattara, for his part, expressed excitement about this new chapter, stating his eagerness to help Lech achieve new heights. If he can replicate his Premier League form in the Ekstraklasa and beyond, this transfer could go down as one of the most transformative in Polish football history.
