Habib Diarra exit: Sunderland contact made as ‘priority target’ claim emerges
Habib Diarra is reportedly being lined up for a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
The performances of Diarra this season have certainly sparked debate, with Sunderland’s record signing yet to really live up to the expectations set when he first arrived.
Nevertheless, the Senegal international has popped up with some big goals and moments for the Black Cats, which haven’t gone unnoticed.
Reports abroad state that Diarra is already being lined up for an exit from Sunderland, with one Saudi Arabian club having made him a “priority target.”
Sunderland will be focused on achieving a strong end to the campaign first, before deciding on the next steps with their midfielder.
Could Habib Diarra leave Sunderland already?
Diarra started the season well, especially against West Ham, where he looked every part the player that Sunderland fans were expecting.
However, an injury early into his time on Wearside hampered his progress, and that disruption still seems to be playing a part today.
| Premier League | Diarra |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Dribbles completed | 4 |
| Dribble success rate | 23.5% |
A report from Media Foot states that a Saudi Arabian club, which remains unnamed at this point, are ready to pay a “small fortune” to lure him away from the Stadium of Light this summer.
It’s claimed that initial contact has already been made with the Black Cats, though the potential deal is still only in the early stages.
Sunderland paid £30million to sign Diarra from Strasbourg last summer, and given the project at hand, it would take a much bigger fee this summer for him to leave.
Sunderland’s next steps with Diarra examined
He hasn’t had the impact many would have hoped, but there have been plenty of promising signs, especially when taking into account his injury disruption and age.
And for that reason alone, Sunderland are unlikely to entertain any offers for him this summer, unless they were to receive a crazy fee.
As for what that fee would be, you may be looking at upwards of double what the Black Cats paid to sign him from Strasbourg, and whether anyone is willing to meet that is unknown.
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