DIARRA ARRIVES

Sunderland have signed Habib Diarra from RC Strasbourg. The 21-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light after agreeing personal terms and successfully passing a medical.

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.”

Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman added: “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.”

Régis Le Bris is delighted with his new player. “We’re very happy. 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. 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. 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.”