adminSunderland Set to Smash Transfer Record with Diarra Signing as Summer Business Heats Up
Sunderland are on the verge of completing a club-record transfer for Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra, with the deal expected to be finalised within the next couple of days.
The Black Cats have agreed a fee of around €31.5 million for the 21-year-old Senegal international, with a further €4 million in potential add-ons also included. Diarra has already undergone a medical in Paris and travelled to England over the weekend. He is expected to put the finishing touches on the move at the Academy of Light later today and sign a five-year contract.
Diarra, who scored in Senegal’s recent shock victory over England at the City Ground, will become Sunderland’s second major signing of the summer following Enzo Le Fee’s arrival from Roma—another deal that broke the club’s transfer record.
The dynamic midfielder has been brought in to fill the void left by Jobe Bellingham, who recently joined Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth over £30 million.
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman led the negotiations to secure Diarra, fending off stiff competition from Leeds United—whose €25 million bid was rejected—as well as Premier League rivals Brighton and Everton. The Black Cats’ swift and determined approach ultimately won out.
Diarra, who was born in Senegal and developed through the youth system at Mulhouse before joining Strasbourg in 2021, has racked up 92 Ligue 1 appearances. He captained the French side under English head coach Liam Rosenior, who praised his leadership and tenacity.
“Habib is getting better and stronger all the time,” said Rosenior. “He can be Mr. Angry at times—he loves a confrontation—but he’s a winner. That’s why I made him captain. He’s a great kid with huge potential.”
Sunderland’s transfer activity is far from over. The club is also in advanced talks with Nice over a deal for Polish international goalkeeper Marcin Bulka. The 25-year-old, who began his career at Chelsea and has five senior caps for Poland, is valued at around £18 million.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing for Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat. The 23-year-old, who featured at the U21 Euros and currently plays for Dynamo Kyiv, is valued at €20 million. Negotiations have been more complex due to Kyiv’s Champions League commitments, but Sunderland remain optimistic about getting the deal done.
Former Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi is also expected to officially join Sunderland’s recruitment team next month, working alongside Speakman to spearhead the club’s summer rebuild ahead of their Premier League return.
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