Transfer Rumours Summer Transfer window

He should stay away from Blackburn if he moves. Just keep away.

 

good advice in general that

 

https://www.safc.com/news/2025/july/01/regis-le-bris-diarra-connects-with-the-values-of-the-club/

Sunderland Head Coach Régis Le Bris has hailed new signing Habib Diarra as the perfect fit for the Club after the Senegalese midfielder agreed a move to head to Wearside.

The 21-year-old completes a permanent switch from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg and becomes the second addition of the summer, following the permanent arrivial of Enzo Le Fée.

Diarra made his first-team debut at the age of 17 and has gone on to make a century of appearances for Le Racing along with earning 11 caps for his country. One of his four goals Les Lions de le Teranga was scored in a 3-1 international friendly victory over England last month.

Diarra’s addition bolsters the ranks in the early stages of pre-season but also adds significant quality to the squad ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

“We’re very happy,” said Le Bris. “We chose each other, but most of all Habib chose Sunderland.

“It’s normal for a profile like him to have interest from top clubs across Europe, and the fact he picked us shows he shares our ambition and vision. He immediately connected with the values of the club - strong team spirit, high energy, and leadership.

“He can give a huge contribution to the group, because he brings qualities that align perfectly with what we’re building, both on and off the pitch, as we take this next step into the Premier League.”

Diarra’s move to the top-flight of English football represents as rapid rise in his young career to date, becoming a full-fledged international and bearing the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband for a Strasbourg side who finished in a Europa Conference League spot this season.

As evidenced by last season’s dramatic promotion via the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs, this young Sunderland side have shown that they have no need to play with fear and Diarra will fit that mould in the squad. “Age is only a number when you have his personal and technical qualities,” Le Bris continued.

“Playing in that demanding position on the international stage, Habib proved he belongs to this level, Premier League perfectly fits to his profile.

“This next step - performing in a top league - is a big challenge, but it matches his ambition and his desire to keep progressing.”

In his most recent campaign, Diarra worked under the stewardship of former Hull City manager Liam Rosenior and was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the team forward for one of their most successful campaigns in recent history. That provides Le Bris with confidence that the 2024-25 season will be ample grounding for his introduction onto Wearside.

“Strasbourg had an excellent season, under an English manager who brought a high-intensity playing style.

“Habib understood his demands very quickly, those demands set a benchmark, putting him on the right track to deliver what will be expected at the next level. Players who thrive in those environments often adapt well to the demands of this league.”

Diarra will undertake an extended break after representing Senegal on international duty in June before linking up with his new team mates at the Academy of Light later this month.

 

I’ve missed hearing from Regis

 

"He's an interesting player, for sure"

 

He sounds like a serious player like

 

Well he's answered it!

 

Got a sneeky feeling that one of the ones who might be more advanced is this Arthur Avom kid

 

Sorry mate. Apparently my 2 yo thinks running round the kitchen is more important than safc transfers

Sunderland ITK very reliable

 

seems the kind who will thrive under a coach like Le Bris as well

 

I think his use of the ball and crosses he’ll struggle but agree on shot stopping. If we can’t get a clear improvement though there’s no point in paying a lot

 

That's the bracket I'm in. I'm not worried about the money either, that's nothing to do with me. Apart from the bit to watch it doesn't come from me. They seem to be doing a canny job of things, so hopefully they can keep all that up.

We're going to be okay.

 

He said they haven’t been in media

 

oh didn't see that bit, just that there was more!

 

chuckling

 

to be fair he did "break" it

 

"Not dream of hampering it"

 

Got a feeling it won’t just be the lad from Atletico signing on a free transfer this week.