Sunderland has made a significant statement in the transfer market by signing Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg in a club-record £30 million deal. The 21-year-old has committed to a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, marking a major acquisition for the Black Cats as they prepare for their first Premier League campaign since the 2016-17 season.
Diarra, who scored against England in a friendly match at the City Ground in June, brings considerable talent and experience to Sunderland. Last season, he made 31 appearances across all competitions for Strasbourg, contributing to the club’s seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 and securing European football for only the second time in two decades.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Diarra said, "I'm happy and excited to become a Black Cat and I can't wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans. Everyone saw last season's success, and I guarantee that I'll give everything for this team and fight for these colors in the Premier League. I'm ready for this challenge and I can't wait to get started."
The Senegalese international is viewed as a direct replacement for Jobe Bellingham, who departed for Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer in a deal worth up to £30 million. Diarra joins Enzo le Fee, who signed permanently after spending the latter half of last season on loan from Roma, as part of Sunderland’s summer reinforcements.
This high-profile signing underscores Sunderland’s ambition to strengthen their squad and make a strong impression in their Premier League return. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see Diarra in action as the club aims to establish itself in England’s top-flight competition once again.
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