So if I’m right. We want to “improve the spine of the team to be ready for the premier league” so that means high quality GK (Bulka), CB , CM (Diarra), ST Keith also said we are looking at another high level CM so that’ll be Diarra plus another. I wonder who the striker could be. Unless it’s gonna be Vanat
The thought of Diarra rocking up for training and thinking "**** me its red hot", then by December being like "get me to Afcon".
@DougieCritchley Habib Diarra is a 21 year old Senegalese international, who has been starting for Strasbourg consistently for the last 3 seasons. Strasbourg's 24/25 was absolutely superb, finishing 7th (their 2nd best finish this Century), just 4 points off 3rd, with an average age of just 21.4, the youngest squad in Europe. Diarra was a key part of that, starting 27 of 34 League games, and contributing 9 League goals, as many as Chelsea target Malick Fofana and Monaco wonderkid Eliesse Ben Seghir. He's really creative for a central midfielder: 0.17 expected assists p/90 is only 0.01 less than Anthony Gordon and level with Bruno Guimaraes and Nicolas Jackson Comfortable carrying the ball through midfield: 61 progressive carries is 2 more than Cody Cakpo Ranks in the Top 8% of midfielders for carries into the penalty area ❌Not a destroyer type: just 1.3 defensive actions p/90: 9 Strasbourg players made more defensive actions last season A player of enormous potential, with a lot of experience playing in a top League, as a Jobe Bellingham replacement I like it. I am slightly concerned that a Neil-Diarra double pivot could be a little open. So I wonder whether we'd look to sign a more natural defensive midfielder too. Good luck Habib! ⚪️
Wouldn’t listen to that well sign a keeper fullback cb or two another cm or two two wingers and a striker
I recon announcement today or tomorrow subject to international clearance etc. Then interview and pics unveiling the new kit next week with bulka for the goalkeeper top.
Aye I don’t see the club releasing the signing of a club record and missing to opportunity to glorify the new gear. Tuesday for sure.
fascinated to see how RLB manages us next season, not trying to knock previous gaffers but feels hes the first in a long time where you can see some coached method on the pitch. Said before that his current system, but with more quality allowing us to make things count could be massive. And regards the system, he's proven hes flexible. I think its the most exciting time to be a sunderland fan in god knows how long.
No idea who Dan's agent is but if Dan happens to read this forum you should be watching your DMs for a job offer! I totally agree with you, mind. Really important we get Dan signed up on a generous and long contract. He absolutely deserves it.
I'd love us to low ball Coventry with a 5 million bid on deadline day. To be fair he would offer decent depth in a couple of positions but only if some of our other signings don't materialise.
This was full back window full colour just like the advertising boards. Was quite impressive in its way.