Sunderland door opens to sign Diakite as Premier League rivals make transfer decision
Sunderland have just been presented with an excellent opportunity to complete the signing of Bafode Diakite.
The Black Cats haven’t been shy of spending their money as they prepare to return to the Premier League this term, and now their summer outlay could be about to take another significant increase.
Diakite has emerged as a potential target for Sunderland, and the newly-promoted side have already seen a £23.3million bid knocked back by Lille.
Regis Le Bris will know that he will have to strengthen his defence if his side are to survive in the top flight, and Diakite could be about to add another option for the 49-year-old.
Sunderland have great chance to sign Diakite as Bournemouth look elsewhere
Sunderland have seemingly been facing a battle with Bournemouth to sign Diakite, but now they appear to have been handed a major boost.
Both sides have seen bids rejected for the centre back, with Lille understood to be holding out for a significant fee for the 24-year-old.
The Cherries were the most recent side to have tabled an offer for Diakite, but they have now turned their attention elsewhere in order to pursue other options, according to Santi Aouna via X (23 July).
They could now be lining up a move for Loic Bade, who the Wearsiders have also been linked with.
The Black Cats surely would have lost out to Bournemouth had they matched Lille’s £34.6m asking price, given their superior standing in the Premier League.
However, with their main competitor now seemingly out of the race, the door is firmly open for Sunderland to swoop in and get their man.
Diakite would be worth the money for Sunderland
Sunderland recently broke their transfer record again to sign Habib Diarra, and it looks as though they would have to do the same to land Diakite.
Lille have made it clear that the defender will not be allowed to leave unless they receive a strong offer, but there is little doubt that the former Toulouse man would be a good addition to Le Bris’ ranks.
| Competition | Apps |
| Ligue 1 | 110 |
| Ligue 2 | 46 |
| Coupe De France | 16 |
| Champions League | 10 |
| Conference League | 5 |
He has represented France at a range of different youth levels, and has already gained experience in both the Champions League and Conference League.
It would be a big decision for Sunderland to break their transfer record for the third time in a single summer, but you simply cannot survive in the Premier League anymore without investing heavily in your squad.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.