Newly-promoted English Premier League side Sunderland completed a deal to acquire the services of Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra in July, seeking to make an intent in their first season back in the top-flight after an eight-year absence.
The Black Cats paid a club-record £30 million fee to French Ligue One side Strasbourg to complete the deal for the 21-year-old, breaking the €23 million fee paid earlier in the summer to sign Enzo Le Fée on a permanent basis.
Despite his young age, Diarra provides a lot of experience and versatility, while he also serves as a direct replacement for Jobe Bellingham, who secured a move to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund.
The Senegal international signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland set to pay him around £282,000 monthly. This brings his total earnings to £3.38 annually and £16.92 million over the course of his five-year deal at the club.
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Diarra begins a new path with his move to England, having spent most of his career in France since making his debut for Strasbourg aged 17.
Diarra’s transfer fee and contract details
Sunderland paid a guaranteed £27 million fee with a potential £3 million in add-ons to sign the versatile midfielder.
The Black Cats beat off competition from English rivals Leeds United and Everton to win the race for the 21-year-old, who has penned a five-year contract, potentially keeping him at the club until 2030.
How much will Habib Diarra earn at Sunderland? Salary breakdown:
Habib Diarra will earn three times his previous earnings at his former club. He previously earned around €110,000 monthly at Strasbourg and will now earn around €330,000 (£282,000) monthly at Sunderland, which amounts to £3.38 million annually.
The Senegal midfielder becomes the most expensive signing in the club’s history, with the Black Cats’ total investment including transfer fees set to amount up to £46.92 million.
From Eastern France to North East England
Habib Diarra began his youth career at Mulhouse in the French lower division before moving to Strasbourg, where he made his top-flight debut as a 17-year-old in 2021.
He went on to make over 90 appearances for the club in all competitions, including becoming the club’s captain in the 2024/25 season, and he was one of the most-sought after midfielders in the league due to his ability to play across multiple roles in the midfield position.
