Sunderland Seal €35.5m Deal for Strasbourg Midfielder Habib Diarra
Sunderland have struck a major coup in the transfer market, agreeing a deal to sign highly-rated midfielder Habib Diarra from French side RC Strasbourg.
According to leading transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Black Cats have finalised a €35.5 million package – including add-ons – for the 20-year-old, marking a statement signing for the Wearside club.
Romano broke the news on Friday night, using his signature “here we go!” to confirm the agreement between the two clubs.
The deal is believed to have been reached after advanced negotiations, with Sunderland beating off interest from several top-flight clubs across Europe who had also been tracking the dynamic young midfielder.
Diarra, who rose through the ranks at Strasbourg, is known for his explosive pace, ball-carrying ability and box-to-box energy.
Despite his youth, he has already racked up over 60 appearances in Ligue 1 and has represented France at youth international level. His versatility allows him to operate as a central midfielder, advanced playmaker or even a wide attacking threat, making him a highly valuable asset in modern systems.
The €35.5 million fee – a club-record outlay for Sunderland – reflects the ambition of the club’s ownership, who are backing manager Michael Beale in his efforts to turn the Black Cats into promotion contenders this season. Diarra’s arrival follows a series of strategic investments in young talent, but this deal stands out as a marquee signing with real star potential.
Fans at the Stadium of Light will be thrilled by the capture of a player many believe could become one of Europe’s next midfield stars.
Diarra’s combination of technical skill and physical presence will add a new dimension to Sunderland’s midfield options. It is also a significant boost to the Championship club’s profile, suggesting a long-term project to not only return to the Premier League but to compete once there.
While the deal is yet to be officially announced by the club, medicals and personal terms are expected to follow swiftly. Sunderland are understood to have already agreed a five-year contract with Diarra, who is eager for a new challenge and impressed by the vision presented by Beale and the club’s hierarchy.
Sources close to the player suggest Diarra was attracted by the promise of being a central figure in a team with upward momentum, as well as the opportunity to test himself in English football. His exit will be a blow to Strasbourg, who had hoped to keep hold of the youngster for at least another season.
With pre-season just around the corner, Sunderland’s business in securing Diarra early gives them a significant advantage in integrating him into the squad and shaping their tactical plans. His arrival is expected to trigger further activity in the transfer market, with the club potentially eyeing additional reinforcements.
In a summer that has already seen big moves across the Championship, Sunderland’s acquisition of Habib Diarra is likely to be one of the most talked-about. It’s a statement that they mean business – not just to climb back to the top flight, but to stay there with style.
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