Sunderland to seal ‘bargain’ Diarra transfer amid latest medical update – Exclusive
Habib Diarra looks all but set to become Sunderland’s second summer signing.
Sunderland have showcased their ambition over the last week or so, with some exciting links connecting players to a move to the Stadium of Light.
One of those was Strasbourg’s Diarra, who looks all but set to put pen to paper after the Black Cats agreed a club-record £30million deal to sign the midfielder.
The Senegalese midfielder reportedly underwent a medical in Paris over the weekend, before signing a five-year contract on Wearside, for what appears to be a major coup for the Wearsiders.
Diarra tipped for the top after Sunderland move
At 21 years old, Diarra still has immense potential, having already made a name for himself in the French top flight.
Sunderland beat off competition from Leeds to secure his arrival, with many claiming that the Black Cats overpaid to do so, but Dsports journalist Khadim Diakhate believes otherwise.
Speaking to Mackem News, he said: “I don’t think Sunderland has overpaid. Sure, £30million is a significant fee, especially when other clubs were reportedly only willing to offer £20m. But Diarra is a rare profile: a complete midfielder, still young, with a huge work rate and already some solid experience.
“Players like that come at a price. It’s a long-term investment, and if he continues developing, that fee could soon look very reasonable — even like a bargain.
| Strasbourg | Games | Pass accuracy | Goal contributions |
| Diarra | 30 | 86.5% | 9 |
“What sets him apart is his versatility. He can play as a wing-back and across all midfield positions. He’s extremely strong in duels and has the ability to break lines with the ball at his feet.
“He also reads the game well defensively. But he’s more mobile than most traditional defensive midfielders, which allows him to operate in a double pivot or even in a more advanced role. With the Premier League’s high tempo, he’ll fit right in.
“If he stays focused and continues developing the way he has over the past two seasons, I see him at a top-six English club or with a major side in continental Europe.”
Sunderland can achieve something special this season
Given the fact that at this very moment, Enzo Le Fee remains the only new arrival, it is important not to get too ahead of ourselves, though some of the recent links will spark immense optimism.
Reinildo looks to be another set to come through the door on Wearside, with several other additions expected in the coming weeks.
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