‘Sunderland to agree personal terms with Diarra’ as Everton blown out of water
Sunderland look set to make Habib Diarra their second signing of the summer.
Regis Le Bris’ side have already added Enzo Le Fee to their ranks on a permanent deal after an impressive loan spell last season, in which he helped them to promotion via the playoff final.
The newly-promoted Premier League outfit are now in pole position to sign Diarra and bolster their midfield ahead of a tough campaign.
Sunderland beat several Premier League clubs for Diarra deal
The Stadium of Light outfit have seemingly won a heavily-contested race for Diarra’s signature.
A report from the print edition of the Sun on Sunday (page 56, 29 June) claims that the Strasbourg man will complete a medical next week with the Mackems set to smash their transfer record.
It also states that personal terms are set to be completed, with the Black Cats set to beat Everton, Leeds and Brighton to a deal.
Diarra signing is a huge show of intent from Sunderland
The Black Cats pulling off a deal for one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe, ahead of established elite clubs like the Toffees, is nothing short of a coup.
It is a huge statement of intent from Kristjaan Speakman and Co ahead of their return to the top-flight after an eight-year absence to blow the Blues out of the water.
They had to make major moves in midfield after losing Jobe Bellingham, who joined Borussia Dortmund earlier this month and they have now done exactly that.
The North East outfit have been tipped to struggle for survival this season but if they keep beating their peers to top-class signings, the relegation battle may not be their ceiling and it bodes well for their long-term ambitions.
They have been linked with former star Jordan Henderson, and that would complete a remarkable transformation of their options in the engine room, with the leadership of the ex-Liverpool captain, the athleticism of Diarra and the tenacity of Le Fee.
It promises to be an exciting campaign for the Mackems regardless of the outcome, but their business is encouraging, they are not just sitting back and accepting their fate, they are making brilliant moves and they could be rewarded come the end of the season.
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.