“AFC Bournemouth have signed Ivory Coast international Max Gradel, subject to international clearance and Premier League approval, from St Etienne for an undisclosed fee,” read a statement on the club’s official website.
The 27-year-old returns to the club seven years after his last appearance, having spent two separate seasons on loan at the Vitality Stadium from Leicester City.
Gradel has signed a four-year deal with the English club following four successful years in France where he scored 31 goals in 117 games for St Etienne, who finished a respectable fifth in Ligue 1 last season.
The winger, who has 34 national caps to his name, was part of Ivory Coast’s title-winning team who lifted the 2015 Afcon trophy earlier this year.
Bournemouth’s addition in the attacking department leaves many questions regarding the future of Bafana Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie at the club, with the former Bucs forward recently linked with a move to Championship side Cardiff City.