‘Sunderland set for Champions League push’ – fans react to record-breaking arrival
Sunderland supporters have been left ecstatic by their club’s newly announced club record deal for Habib Diarra.
The Black Cats have made a significant move towards readying their squad for next season’s Premier League by acquiring the midfielder from Strasbourg.
Regis Le Bris showed his managerial class by steering the North East club to promotion last season, but he must continue enjoying strong business this summer as his side look to adjust to the top flight.
Sunderland’s transfer window initially took a turbulent turn when influential midfielder Jobe Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Championship playoff final hero Tommy Watson left in favour of Brighton in a pre-agreed deal.
But the Black Cats’ summer is moving in the right direction again, after they acquired Diarra, who notched four goals and five assists in French Ligue 1 for Strasbourg last term.
Le Bris’ men are set for more exciting arrivals this summer, while France-based journalist Luke Entwistle gave the low-down on Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car, who has been linked with a move to Sunderland, in a Mackem News exclusive.
Diarra could prove to be a suitable Bellingham replacement for Sunderland, but Le Bris must continue to bolster his ranks amid the Stadium of Light outfit’s efforts to retain their newfound Premier League status.
Recent seasons have showcased the growing gulf in class between the top tier and the Championship, as the likes of Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton all suffered immediate relegation, which is a fate Le Bris’ men must avoid.
Sunderland supporters overjoyed as Diarra joins for club-record fee
The Mackems’ move for Diarra alone could go a long way towards keeping them in the Premier League beyond next season.
As reported by the Sunderland Echo [30 June], the North East club have agreed a £30million move for the Senegal international, making him the most expensive player in their history.
The Mackems’ official X account announced Diarra’s arrival on Tuesday, 1 July: “Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Habib Diarra!”
The news was met by ecstatic Black Cats supporters, with one member of the Stadium of Light faithful commenting: “Champions League push.”