Sunderland Agrees Club-Record £30m Deal for Habib Diarra

Sunderland are set to break their club transfer record by signing midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for around £30 million, including add-ons and a sell-on clause. Diarra, a 21-year-old Senegal international who recently scored against England in a friendly, is seen as a direct replacement for Jobe Bellingham, who was sold to Borussia Dortmund for up to £32 million. The transfer fee not only sets a new record for Sunderland but also represents a significant sale for Strasbourg, with their president confirming Diarra's departure. Sunderland outbid competition from fellow promoted Premier League club Leeds United, whose offer was reportedly rejected. This move is part of Sunderland's strategy under manager Regis Le Bris and new director of football Florent Ghisolfi, who are targeting Ligue 1 talent to strengthen the squad ahead of their Premier League return. Diarra is highly regarded as one of Ligue 1's most promising midfielders, and his signing signals Sunderland's ambition to be competitive in the upcoming season.