adminRégis Le Bris hails “ambitious” Sunderland signing as Diarra prepares for Premier League step-up.
Régis Le Bris says Habib Diarra has all the tools to succeed in the Premier League and believes his signing underlines Sunderland’s growing ambition.
The 21-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year deal with the Black Cats after turning down interest from clubs across Europe. Diarra, who captained RC Strasbourg last season and has international experience with Senegal, becomes Sunderland’s record signing.
Le Bris praised the midfielder’s mentality and believes his performances under Liam Rosenior in Ligue 1 last season prove he’s ready for the challenge ahead.
“We’re absolutely delighted,” Le Bris said.
“We chose each other, but more importantly, Habib chose Sunderland. It’s a big statement — he had interest from major clubs across Europe, but he saw our vision and connected immediately with the identity of this club: strong team spirit, high intensity, and leadership.”
Le Bris continued:
“He fits our project on and off the pitch. He’s young, but his maturity and technical quality set him apart. Age doesn’t matter when you’ve got that mix of talent and mentality.
“Habib showed his quality on the international stage in a physically demanding role.
Ligue 1 was a great testing ground — playing under an English coach in a high-intensity system gave him a real foundation for Premier League football.
“He quickly adapted to that environment, and that experience has prepared him for what’s coming next. Players who can handle those demands tend to thrive in this league.”
Speakman: Diarra has ‘immense potential’
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman also hailed the signing and said it marked another milestone in the club’s rise.
“Habib is an exciting talent, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Sunderland,” Speakman said.
“At just 21, he’s already played over 100 senior games and captained his team in one of Europe’s top leagues.
That says everything about his character and quality. Securing a player of this calibre reflects the progress we’ve made and our ambition moving forward.
“Like Sunderland, he’s ready for the Premier League, and we’re excited to take this next step together.”
Diarra is Sunderland’s second summer signing following the arrival of Enzo Le Fée earlier this week.
The club is also closing in on a deal for former Atletico Madrid left-back Reinildo Mandava.
Having played international football deep into the summer, Diarra will be given an extended break before linking up with his new teammates at the Academy of Light later this month.
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