Brentford have signed forward, Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth in a £42,5m transfer.
Ouattara’s move comes after two-and-a-half years with the Cherries in which the 23-year-old netted 11 goals in 88 appearances, of which nine of those goals came last season alone in 37 appearances after he struggled in his first 18 months of England football with a mere two goals.
Brentford nevertheless have swooped for the Burkina Faso international to replace Yoane Wissa, who has now been allowed to negotiate terms with Newcastle, having been unable to progress a move until the Bees signed a suitable replacement to fill his spot in the team.
Ouattara has signed a five-year contract until June 2030 with an option for a further year.
Brentford’s Head Coach, Keith Andrews is “really happy” to sign Ouattara after concentrating their efforts in recent days on securing his transfer, having been “surprised” that Bournemouth were prepared to make him available.
“He’s someone that we were aware and surprised could be available and, once we knew that signing him might be a possibility, we really focused on trying to get him in.
“We liked his Premier League experience, even at his young age, and he just hasn’t found the rhythm yet because of a lack of consistent game time.”
Andrews also spoke of the striker’s style fitting his planned playing style as the Bees prepare to kick off their season at Nottingham Forest tomorrow (17 August), although Ouattara won’t be eligible to make his debut until their home clash against Aston Villa on 23 August.
“He also suits the way we want to play – he has something that we were lacking in the forward line, and he will complement what we already have in the building.
“The fans will love him; he’s the type of player that they will get off their seat for.”
Brentford’s Director of Football, Phil Giles added that Ouattara has the potential to be “an extremely strong replacement,” following the departure of Bryan Mbeumo.
“It’s been well documented that there has been more change over this summer than in recent years at the club; however, I’m very confident that, in each case where a player has left us, we have managed to bring in an extremely strong replacement, and Dango is the latest example of that.
“I’m really excited to see Dango on the pitch and bringing his unique skillset to the team.”
Ouattara began his career at Majestic FC with five goals in 11 appearances before he joined Lorient’s academy where he graduated into their senior team and netted seven goals in 44 appearances, prior to his move to Bournemouth in January 2023.
The forward represents Burkina Faso at international level with ten goals in 30 senior caps since his debut in December 2021 in a goalless draw against Mauritania.
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