This summer, newly promoted Sunderland AFC made waves by spending a record-breaking £30 million to sign 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra from RC Strasbourg. The deal not only smashed the club’s previous transfer record but also marked the largest initial fee ever paid by a newly promoted team in Premier League history.
Building on Their Own Milestone
Just weeks earlier, Sunderland had already rewritten their transfer history by completing the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fée from Roma for approximately £19.3 million—at the time, the club’s most expensive purchase. However, that benchmark was swiftly overtaken by Diarra’s arrival, with the fee reportedly structured as £27 million upfront and a further £3 million in potential add-ons.
French football expert James Eastham has offered high praise for Sunderland’s new midfield acquisition, Habib Diarra, portraying the 21-year-old as an energetic, team-oriented player whose reputation is steadily rising across Europe.
Diarra signed for Sunderland earlier this summer in a club-record deal potentially worth £30 million. Eastham believes fans on Wearside are about to discover why Diarra was so adored at Strasbourg. He highlighted the midfielder’s relentless effort and determination, stating Diarra “gave everything,” always “gave 100 per cent,” and “never gave up” during his time in Alsace. “If you’re wondering why he became a fan favourite in Strasbourg,” Eastham said, “it’s down to the very qualities Sunderland fans are about to witness.”
Describing his style, Eastham called Diarra “fully committed and occasionally full throttle,” noting his instinct to drive forward with the ball and create chances in the attacking half. At the same time, Diarra is quick to track back and defend when needed. Identifying himself as a classic “box-to-box midfielder,” Diarra is all about supporting the team in every phase of play.
Originally from Senegal and raised in Mulhouse, France, Diarra came through the Strasbourg academy and debuted in Ligue 1 at 17. He amassed nearly 100 appearances in France’s top division and was named club captain at just 20 by manager Liam Rosenior, who led the team to a European qualification last season. Eastham sees Diarra’s tactical understanding and mental resilience as clear indicators that he’s ready for the Premier League.
“He’s a winner,” Eastham said, explaining that Diarra received guidance on both defensive and offensive midfield duties under Patrick Vieira. Under Rosenior in 2024-25, he was granted greater freedom, which suited his energy and work rate. Diarra credited Rosenior with improving him mentally, technically, and tactically.
The bond between coach and player was strong, with Rosenior reportedly saying, “I love him,” as Strasbourg secured a UEFA Conference League spot. Within weeks of taking charge, Rosenior had identified Diarra’s leadership potential and handed him the captaincy, making him the youngest skipper in club history.
Eastham also highlighted Diarra’s international experience, having represented France at every youth level from U16 to U21, where he played alongside several rising stars now in the Premier League. At Sunderland, he’ll partner with fellow Frenchman Enzo Le Fée, forming what could be an exciting midfield duo under manager Régis Le Bris.
With Jobe Bellingham now at Borussia Dortmund, Eastham sees a clear opportunity for Diarra to shine. If he can boost his end product—having registered ten goals and nine assists in Ligue 1—the Premier League could prove the ideal stage for his continued rise.
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