Hamed Junior Traoré has revealed his switch from Bournemouth to Marseille left him under “a lot of stress” as the midfielder reflected on his turbulent spell in England. The Ivorian, signed by the Cherries for €25.6m from Sassuolo in 2023, never truly settled on the south coast and has now departed on loan once again — this time with an obligation for OM to buy under certain conditions.
It’s the third consecutive loan since his big-money Bournemouth move, following spells at Napoli and Auxerre. Traoré admitted constant relocation of his family became draining, but insisted his move to Marseille represents a chance to establish stability at last.
The Ligue 1 side acted swiftly after Jonathan Rowe’s departure, with Traoré completing a whirlwind deal earlier this week. For the midfielder, who reignited his form at Auxerre last season, Marseille is an ambitious destination — and one he hopes to call home for years to come.
Traoré: “It Was Tough, a Lot of Stress”
Speaking after his unveiling, Traoré admitted the nature of the move was frantic but necessary:
“It was tough, lots of calls, a lot of stress. Finally, it’s done, I’m here. Every player would like to be stable. Moving your family every year isn’t pleasant. I came to OM because it’s a big club, ambitious. I want to establish myself and stay for a long time.” — Hamed Junior Traoré
The 24-year-old confirmed he had already enjoyed a strong pre-season, including a friendly appearance against Liverpool, and feels “100%” fit to contribute immediately for OM.
Hamed Junior Traoré Career Snapshot
| Club | Season(s) | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | 2023–25 | 20 | 1 | 2 |
| Napoli (loan) | 2023/24 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Auxerre (loan) | 2024/25 | 26 | 10 | 2 |
| Marseille (loan) | 2025–26 | – | – | – |
source: transfermarkt / sofascore – 30 Aug 2025
His revival at Auxerre — ten goals and two assists — was key to attracting Marseille’s attention. Traoré now aims to carry that form into a permanent stay at OM.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Bournemouth’s handling of Traoré was always a risk:
“Bournemouth spent big on Traoré in 2023 but never gave him the continuity he needed. Loaning him out three years in a row undermined his confidence. Marseille looks a far better fit, both culturally and stylistically, where he can play as a creative 8 or advanced midfielder.”
William added: “For Bournemouth, this is damage limitation. They’re recouping a player’s value while moving his wages off the books. For Traoré, this could finally be the permanent platform he’s been chasing.”
Key Insights
- Traoré joins Marseille from Bournemouth on loan with obligation to buy.
- Third straight loan since €25.6m Cherries move in 2023.
- Admits constant relocations for his family caused “a lot of stress.”
- Revived form at Auxerre last season with 10 goals + 2 assists.
- Marseille acted quickly after Jonathan Rowe’s exit.
What’s Next for Traoré and Bournemouth?
Traoré is expected to make his Ligue 1 debut in early September once his registration is completed. Marseille hope his versatility in midfield can soften the blow of Rowe’s departure and add depth to their European campaign.
For Bournemouth, the deal marks the end of a misfiring chapter. Despite his potential, Traoré never clicked in the Premier League. With the obligation clause in place, Bournemouth are likely to part ways permanently at season’s end.
Was Traoré never given the platform to succeed in England, or was this simply the wrong move from the start?
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