Brentford smashes club transfer record for Ouattara in £42.5m deal

Brentford has completed a club-record deal to sign forward Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a fee that could rise to £42.5 million. The 23-year-old Burkina Faso international has signed a five-year contract with the Bees, which includes the option of a further year.

Ouattara, who scored nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions last season, is seen as a direct replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, who left the club for Manchester United in July.

"We're really happy to get Dango in," said Brentford boss Keith Andrews. "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."

Andrews believes Ouattara's experience, despite his young age, and his potential once he finds a consistent rhythm make him a valuable acquisition. Sources close to the player, who joined Bournemouth from French side Lorient in January 2023, confirmed that he was eager to leave after struggling to secure a prominent role with the Cherries.

"He 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," Andrews added. "The fans will love him—he's the type of player that they will get off their seat for."

Before Brentford’s record-breaking move, Nottingham Forest had shown interest in Ouattara but ultimately opted to sign England Under-21 winger Omari Hutchinson for £37.5 million from Ipswich.

It remains unclear whether Ouattara’s arrival will lead to the departure of striker Yoane Wissa. On Thursday, Andrews stated that Wissa would not be playing in Brentford's Premier League opener against Forest on Sunday due to ongoing doubts about his future. Newcastle United recently had an offer for the 28-year-old rejected, which was reportedly worth £25 million plus £5 million in add-ons.