Sunderland today completed their second signing of the summer transfer window. After breaking their transfer record to sign Enzo Le Fee from Roma, they have now done it again. The Black Cats have reportedly splashed out £30 million to sign their new midfielder from RC Strasbourg. But who is Sunderland’s new record signing Habib Diarra?
Who Is Sunderland’s New Record Signing Habib Diarra?
21-year-old Habib Diarra signed for newly promoted Sunderland on Tuesday, signing a five-year contract and becoming the Black Cats’ record signing. Here’s what we know about the man who has cost the club £30 million.
A Versatile Central Midfielder
Diarra can play in several positions in the midfield but is primarily known as a box-to-box player. Last season at Strasbourg, where he captained the side to European qualification, he featured as a holding midfielder, a central midfielder, and as a number 10.
With head coach Regis Le Bris liking players who can easily play in different roles in his favoured 4-3-3 formation.
A product of Strasbourg’s academy, Diarra, has played 99 games so far in Ligue 1, scoring 10 goals.
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President Proud of Habib Diarra
Strasbourg president Marc Keller said: “We are proud to have supported Habib, from his first steps at the academy to his captaincy in Ligue 1. Beyond the player, he is a humble and endearing young man whom we have seen grow and flourish within the club.
“Habib is a child of the club, and seeing him wear the captain’s armband this season brought us a lot of emotion. Habib also embodies the success of our training model – his career is a strong symbol for our club, for our young people and for our region.”
Full International
While at Strasbourg, Diarra became a full international with Senegal despite registering to play for France and being capped at various youth levels.
He has earned 11 caps, scoring four goals, including one in the recent 3-1 victory over England at the City Ground, Nottingham. It would come as little surprise if Diarra became captain of his country one day, especially if he is a success in the Premier League.
With Senegal qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations, starting on the 21st December, Diarra is likely to miss the hectic festive period
Regis Le Bris “Diarra Connects With the Values of the Club”
Sunderland Head Coach Regis Le Bris was delighted to welcome his second new signing of the transfer window to the club. He said: “We’re very happy. We chose each other, but most of all Habib chose Sunderland.
“It’s normal for a profile like him to have interest from top clubs across Europe, and the fact he picked us shows he shares our ambition and vision. He immediately connected with the values of the club – strong team spirit, high energy, and leadership.
“He can give a huge contribution to the group, because he brings qualities that align perfectly with what we’re building, both on and off the pitch, as we take this next step into the Premier League.”
“I’ll Give Everything for This Team”
After completing his record transfer move, Sunderland’s new signing said: “I’m happy and excited to become a Black Cat and I can’t wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans. Everyone saw last season’s success and I guarantee that I’ll give everything for this team and fight for these colours in the Premier League. I’m ready for this challenge and I can’t wait to get started.”
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