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 \u00a330 million to sign their new midfielder from RC Strasbourg. But who is Sunderland\u2019s new record signing Habib Diarra?<\/p>\n
21-year-old Habib Diarra signed for newly promoted Sunderland on Tuesday, signing a five-year contract and becoming the Black Cats\u2019 record signing. Here\u2019s what we know about the man who has cost the club \u00a330 million.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With head coach Regis Le Bris liking players who can easily play in different roles in his favoured 4-3-3 formation.<\/p>\n
A product of Strasbourg\u2019s academy, Diarra, has played 99 games so far in Ligue 1, scoring 10 goals.<\/p>\n
Read More: Everton Closing in on Deal to Sign \u2018Silky Skills\u2019 Attacker<\/a><\/p>\n Strasbourg president Marc Keller said<\/a>: “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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n While at Strasbourg, Diarra became a full international with Senegal despite registering to play for France and being capped at various youth levels.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With Senegal qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations, starting on the 21st December, Diarra is likely to miss the hectic festive period<\/p>\n Sunderland Head Coach Regis Le Bris was delighted to welcome his second new signing of the transfer window to the club. He said:<\/a>\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re very happy. We chose each other, but most of all Habib chose Sunderland.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can give a huge contribution to the group, because he brings qualities that align perfectly with what we\u2019re building, both on and off the pitch, as we take this next step into the Premier League.\u201d<\/p>\n After completing his record transfer move, Sunderland’s new signing said<\/a>: \u201cI\u2019m happy and excited to become a Black Cat and I can\u2019t wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans. Everyone saw last season\u2019s success and I guarantee that I\u2019ll give everything for this team and fight for these colours in the Premier League. I\u2019m ready for this challenge and I can\u2019t wait to get started.\u201d<\/p>\nPresident Proud of Habib Diarra<\/h3>\n
Full International<\/h3>\n
Regis Le Bris \u201cDiarra Connects With the Values of the Club\u201d<\/h3>\n
“I’ll Give Everything for This Team”<\/h3>\n