Sunderland to make Premier League history with Habib Diarra signing

Sunderland look set to announce Habib Diarra as their second summer signing.

Excitement is high on Wearside right now, with all of the latest Sunderland transfer rumours sparking an immense level of optimism ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Reinildo looks set to make the move to the Stadium of Light, with Diarra expected to be announced around the same time. 

Sunderland look set to break their transfer record for the second time this summer to secure his arrival, and also broke a Premier League record in the process.

Habib Diarra Sunderland
Credit: Hasan Karim

Premier League transfer record broken on Wearside

Sunderland will pay around £30million for Diarra from Strasbourg, obliterating their previous transfer record that saw Enzo Le Fee turn his loan into a permanent deal.

However, not only was it a club record, it’s also a Premier League record for the highest initial fee paid for a new signing by a newly promoted club, according to Football365.

StrasbourgGamesPass accuracyGoal contributions
Diarra3086.5%9
Diarra thrived in Ligue 1 and could replicate that in the Premier League.

It’s a serious statement of intent from Sunderland, who have had to deal patiently over the last few seasons, and can now release the shackles on the finances on Wearside.

After Diarra and Reinildo arrive, several more additions will be needed, and there is a good chance that the transfer record will be broken for a third time this summer.

Florent Ghisolfi speaks to the press at Roma
Credit: Imago

Florent Ghisolfi is already making Sunderland impact

Although he is yet to be announced in an official capacity, Florent Ghisolfi’s influence is already being felt at the Stadium of Light.

His reputation in football will serve as a huge pull in Sunderland’s pursuit of elite signings, as showcased by the recent link.

It is a rather exciting time to be a Sunderland supporter, with the transfer business only just getting started.

With the season less than two months away and pre-season due to start, the expectation is that transfer activity will only accelerate from here.

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