CHERRIES attacking midfielder Hamed Traore has joined reigning Serie A champions Napoli on loan until the end of the season.

According to a press release from the Italian giants, there is an option for the loan to be converted into a permanent move in the summer for a reported £21m.

Traore initially joined Cherries on loan from Serie A side Sassuolo, with the move becoming permanent once Premier League survival was secured.

Capped 10 times by the Ivory Coast, the 23-year-old has struggled for regular gametime on the south coast.

Initially playing under Gary O’Neil, Traore made five league starts after joining in January 2023, before a foot injury sustained in April ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Under new head coach Andoni Iraola, Traore has played just 44 Premier League minutes this term, spread across three cameo appearances from the bench.

In total Traore has made just 13 appearances for Cherries, with his last coming off the bench against Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

He has scored just one goal, coming in the second round of the Carabao Cup during a 3-2 win over Swansea City.

Although already on the fringes of Iraola’s first team, Traore has missed the last few months after contracting malaria whilst on international duty with the Ivory Coast.

The attacking midfielder had been set to play for his country at their home tournament this month, but was ruled out as he is still recovering.

Despite lifting Serie A last term, Napoli have struggled this season, currently sitting in eighth place and twenty points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

However, they remain in contention for the Champions League, where they face Barcelona in the round of 16.

Traore’s current deal at Vitality Stadium expires at the end of the 2027-28 season.