Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra completes Sunderland move

Premier League side Sunderland have announced the signing of Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra from RC Strasbourg.

The 21-year-old signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light after agreeing personal terms and successfully passing a medical. He becomes the latest addition to Régis Le Bris’ squad this summer, following the arrival of Enzo Le Fée from AS Roma.

Speaking after putting pen to paper, Diarra 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.”

Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman explained their decision to sign Diarra: “Habib is an exciting talent, and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC. At 21, he already has more than 100 senior appearances on his resume, and he’s been a captain in one of Europe’s elite leagues.

“This underlines his undoubted quality and immense potential, and it reflects our progress and ambition that we have secured a player of his calibre. Like Sunderland, Habib is ready for the Premier League, and we look forward to taking this exciting step with him.”

Diarra captained Strasbourg throughout an immensely successful 2024-25 campaign, which culminated in the club securing European football for only the second time in 20 years.

Leading the youngest team in Ligue 1, Diarra featured 31 times for Le Racing last term. He scored five times and registered four assists as he surpassed 100 senior career appearances.

He featured for France at youth level, including Les Bleus’ Under-21s, but opted to represent Senegal in 2024. He has made 11 appearances to date, including a cap against England last month when he scored in a 3-1 win.