adminSunderland Smash Transfer Record with £30m Habib Diarra Signing as Premier League Ambitions Soar
Sunderland have completed the marquee signing of RC Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra in a club-record £30million deal, with the 21-year-old penning a long-term contract after passing a medical on Wearside.
The move was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed Diarra signed his contract over the weekend.
The total fee, which includes add-ons, eclipses Sunderland’s previous transfer record and marks a bold statement of intent from the newly promoted Premier League side under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Diarra, a highly regarded Senegal international, was on the radar of several top clubs across Europe, including Premier League rivals Leeds United. But it was Sunderland who acted swiftly to land the talented midfielder, who already boasts nearly 100 senior appearances in Ligue 1.
The dynamic youngster flourished at Strasbourg under former Hull City manager Liam Rosenior, showcasing the kind of all-action midfield play that has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents. Strasbourg president Marc Keller had admitted earlier in the summer that Diarra could leave if the right offer came in – and Sunderland delivered just that.
This signing follows the high-profile £33million departure of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, giving Sunderland significant funds to reinvest. The Black Cats are clearly wasting no time in reshaping their squad ahead of their return to top-flight football, with Diarra seen as a major upgrade in midfield.
Further reinforcements are on the horizon. Talks are advancing with OGC Nice for goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, with an agreement potentially close at £18million. In addition, the club is targeting Armand Laurienté, who is reportedly valued at around £17million.
Sunderland have also brought in midfielder Enzo Le Fée for £20million, taking their potential summer spending to an eye-catching £85million – a staggering outlay for a club that only recently relied heavily on free agents and loan deals.
In the boardroom, changes are afoot too. Former AS Roma sporting director Florent Ghisolfi is set to join Sunderland in the same role. Ghisolfi, who rejected interest from Juventus, Fiorentina, Newcastle, and Neom, will reunite with head coach Régis Le Bris, having previously worked with him at FC Lorient.
Diarra’s arrival not only boosts Sunderland’s midfield but also signals a shift in the club’s recruitment strategy – one that now clearly targets elite-level talent with high potential resale value. It’s a bold new era on Wearside, and the Black Cats are making it clear they’re back in the Premier League with serious intent.
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