Bournemouth complete Diego Rico deal

Bournemouth have completed the signing of full-back Diego Rico from La Liga side Leganes for a fee of €12m, it has been confirmed.

The 25-year-old joined the Madrid-based club from Real Zaragoza following their promotion in 2016 and has starred in Spain’s top flight since.

A report in Marca states the Cherries had offered an initial €8m, while a compromise has now been reached below his €20m release clause.

“He is very professional and has a great philosophy on football,” Rico said of Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe on the official club website.

“This is a new step for me in my career and from my heart I can say I am truly excited to be here and looking forward to the future.”

Howe added: “Diego is a player we have been tracking throughout the summer and, although we had to be patient, it's great to finally be able to call him an Bournemouth player.

“Once he gets used to the way we play, we believe he can become a real force for this football club.”

Borussia Dortmund had also been linked to the defender, who has impressed across his spell at Leganes.

Rico has played 51 top-flight matches at Butarque across the past two seasons.

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