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Feature
- 37 minutes ago
'Future Chelsea star' seals RECORD Premier League transfer
Tom Weber
- Updated: 28 Jun 2025 15:56 BST
- 4 min read
News
Sunderland have agreed a club-record deal for Habib Diarra from BlueCo side Strasbourg.
The Senegal international has established himself as one of Ligue 1's best midfielders in recent seasons, and he has been captaining Strasbourg despite his age of just 21.
Diarra is an exciting box-to-box midfielder who has been catching the eye of clubs around Europe for some time. Last year, BlueCo rejected bids from Wolves and Lens for him as they felt he could yet play an important role for their crown jewel, Chelsea.
Current ETV
Habib Diarra
AM, M (C)
Strasbourg
Habib Diarra
AM, M (C)
Strasbourg
ETV Range
€24.4M - €29.8M
Indeed, it was reported at the time that Diarra had been earmarked as a future Chelsea player. However, after another hugely impressive season in Ligue 1 and with no midfield opening to speak of at Stamford Bridge, the decision has now been made to cash in on the youngster.
Earlier this summer, promoted Premier League side Leeds approached Strasbourg regarding a potential deal, but nothing ultimately came of it. Now, another Premier League newboy has swooped for Diarra.
Diarra set to join Sunderland
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have struck a club-record deal with Strasbourg to sign Diarra, who has already signed his contract with the Black Cats.
Sunderland will shell out a sizeable €31.5 million as a guaranteed fee and a potential further €4m in add-ons, making it a record incoming for them and a record sale for Strasbourg.
It is a move that signals Sunderland's ambition of ensuring that the Stadium of Light will host Premier League football beyond next season after successive campaigns in which all three promoted clubs were immediately relegated.
It is also already Sunderland's second club-record signing of the summer, with the previous top spot held by Enzo Le Fee, who had his loan from Roma made permanent for €23m. Sunderland are also currently in talks with Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka.
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