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Profile: Hamed Traorè

Exciting attacking midfielder Hamed Traorè joined AFC Bournemouth in the 2023 January transfer window.

Born in Ivory Coast’s largest city Abidjan, Traorè moved to Italy at a young age, joining youth football side Boca Barco.

He joined Florence-based side Empoli in 2015, making his debut for the side in a Serie B clash with Foggia in October 2017.

Traorè played ten games in the 2017/18 season, helping Empoli earn promotion to Serie A as league champions.

He fully established himself in the team in the 2018/19 campaign, playing 33 times in all competitions, scoring twice.

The midfielder’s performances earned him plenty of interest in Italy’s top flight and he eventually joined Sassuolo on a two-year loan, with an option to buy.

Traorè starred as Sassuolo flourished under Roberto De Zerbi, earning back-to-back 8th placed finishes.

He made 68 appearances, scoring ten goals, before making his move to Mapei Stadium permanent in 2021.

His best individual season came in 2021/22 as he netted seven goals in 31 Serie A appearances as Sassuolo, adding four further assists.

Having recovered from a broken foot, Traorè featured 11 times, assisting three times, before completing a permanent move to the Cherries in January 2023.

The midfielder, who can play centrally or out wide, was regarded as one of Serie A’s brightest talents when he left for Bournemouth, signing a long-term contract at Vitality Stadium.