Sunderland Signs Diarra in Club-Record Transfer

Sunderland have completed the club-record signing of Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for a reported fee of up to £30 million, marking their second major signing this summer after Enzo Le Fée from Roma. Diarra, 21, has signed a five-year contract and joins after making 31 appearances and captaining Strasbourg to a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish and European qualification. He has earned 11 caps for Senegal and recently scored in a friendly win against England. Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman praised Diarra's quality and ambition as the club returns to the Premier League after eight years. Diarra expressed excitement about joining Sunderland and pledged to give his all in the upcoming season. He is expected to join pre-season training later this month and could debut in a friendly against Gateshead before the league opener against West Ham United.