CHERRIES have confirmed Hamed Traore’s loan move from Sassuolo has become permanent.

The Ivory Coast international arrived on January transfer deadline day, with the club at the time announcing the deal was “an initial loan agreement which will become permanent in the summer for a further five years”.

Cherries’ latest statement appears to suggest that permanent move was in fact not unconditional, but that the threshold has now been met to turn the loan move into a transfer.

The statement read: "Conditions within the original loan agreement have been reached, and the Ivorian is now contracted to the Cherries until June 2028."

The 23-year-old will reportedly cost Cherries £21million, plus potential add-ons.

Traore, who is recovering from a foot injury, has made seven appearances since arriving at the club.

"We've been really impressed by Hamed since his arrival in January, and we're delighted to have him with us for the long term,” Cherries’ chief executive Neill Blake told the club’s website.

“He's shown he's already capable of performing well at the top level, and we're excited to see him develop even further.

"The permanent signing of Hamed is another mark of our ambition for the coming years, building on this season's success to compete once again in the Premier League."

Traore added: “Everyone has been really welcoming with me. Everything is good here and I’m just happy to be here.

“I’ve had a couple of injuries so I’m looking forward to next season, but right now I’m working hard and hope to come back before the end and help the team.”

Cherries' Premier League status was secured over the weekend.