Habib Diarra Joins Sunderland in Record Transfer

Sunderland have signed Habib Diarra for a club-record fee as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Habib Diarra signed a contract with Sunderland on Saturday after leaving RC Strasbourg. The midfielder passed a medical examination at the club and signed his £30 million contract with the club. Diarra, 21, represents the Senegal men’s national team, earning six international caps, and he joined Sunderland after receiving interest from several other clubs, including Leeds United. Since turning professional with Strasbourg, Diarra has made 41 total appearances in Ligue 1. This past season, he was third on the team with 5.38 recoveries per 90 minutes of play.

According to a previous report we published, Habib Diarra joins Sunderland from Strasbourg.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Diarra joins Sunderland as the club’s Premier League return looms. The club attained a promotion from the Championship after defeating Sheffield United in the league play-off final. Following their promotion, Sunderland faced a big summer of transfer activity, including Jobe Bellingham’s departure for Borussia Dortmund. Sunderland paid a significant fee for Diarra but signed Enzo le Fee, who became the highest price player in club history at that point. Le Fee was named Serie A Player of the Month during his time with Roma, and he provides the club with another significant player under board member Kylian Mbappe, who controls a portion of the club. These signings help Sunderland aid their squad depth as the club aims to not only survive but thrive in their first Premier League season since 2017.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Diarra will join Sunderland as they begin Premier League preparation. The club’s first top flight match will be against West Ham, as they return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. With significant additions to the squad already, Sunderland will look to make more additions, with Alikhan Ibragimov among the players the club are reportedly interested in.