Sunderland have completed a bold and record-breaking transfer to fill the void left by Jobe Bellingham, with a stunning £30 million move for highly rated midfielder Habib Diarra. This marks the second time this summer the club has shattered its transfer record, underlining their ambition following promotion to the Premier League.
The Black Cats have agreed terms with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, structuring the deal to include a £27 million upfront fee, with an additional £3 million in performance-related add-ons and a sell-on clause. According to reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sports, Diarra is set to undergo a medical on Wearside, with personal terms already settled.
This high-profile signing aligns with Sunderland’s growing focus on scouting talent from France’s top division, a strategy bolstered by new head coach Régis Le Bris and incoming director of football Florent Ghisolfi, both of whom bring extensive knowledge and contacts from within Ligue 1. The move is a clear signal of Sunderland’s intent to compete at the highest level, coming shortly after the permanent capture of French midfielder Enzo Le Fée.
Diarra, a 21-year-old Senegal international, recently made headlines by scoring at Wembley in a 3-1 win over England, further boosting his profile as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders. Sunderland’s aggressive pursuit of the player saw them beat competition from Premier League rivals Leeds United, who reportedly had a £22 million bid rejected.
Strasbourg president Marc Keller had previously confirmed that Diarra would be allowed to leave if a suitable offer arrived, honouring a promise made to the player when he last extended his contract. Keller stated, “There’s one player who should leave, based on a promise I made to him two years ago, and that’s our captain Habib Diarra… if we get an attractive offer for him and for us, he could leave.”
Diarra will now step into the midfield role vacated by Jobe Bellingham, who recently joined Borussia Dortmund in a £30 million switch. The arrival of Diarra not only fills that gap but also symbolizes a new era for Sunderland as they look to re-establish themselves in the Premier League with a blend of youth, ambition, and international flair.
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