‘Sunderland have just made an unbelievable signing – this is what super-agent has told me’
Sunderland’s new midfielder Habib Diarra has been tipped to be a “revelation” next season according to a top agent.
Last month (30 June), Diarra completed a £30million switch to the Stadium of Light from Strasbourg, making him the club’s most expensive signing in their history.
The 21-year-old started 27 Ligue 1 games for the French side last season, scoring four goals and picking up five assists as he helped them secure European football.
The Black Cats fended off interest from promoted side Leeds United to secure the Senegal international, flexing their muscles in the transfer market by outbidding the Elland Road side.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed that he has been speaking to a top agent, who had told him to watch out for Diarra as he will be a revelation for Sunderland next year.
‘Sunderland will stay up in the Premier League’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Sunderland will stay up in the Premier League next season, as a result of their summer business.
Along with adding Diarra, the Black Cats have made a number of other notable signings, including midfielder Noah Sadiki and winger Chemsdine Tabli.
Wyness added that Sunderland are putting together a really good squad ahead of their first season back in the top flight.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I love what Sunderland are doing and they’re not going to make my bottom six for next year. They’re actually one of the only clubs promoted that I think have a great chance of staying up.
“Now I was speaking to somebody that I consider to be one of the very top agents in the game yesterday, who said watch out for Diarra at Sunderland, the signing they’ve got from Strasbourg. He thinks he’s going to be a revelation next year.
“He also was paying real kudos to Sunderland in terms of the way they’re putting together their squad, regarding the quality, the youth, and the whole thing. It really bodes well.”
Sunderland submit Mundle offer amid Premier League interest
Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Sunderland are offering Romaine Mundle a new contract to fend off growing interest in him.
Monaco and PSV Eindhoven have made enquiries about the 22-year-old winger’s availability this summer while several Premier League clubs are also monitoring his situation.
Sunderland do not want to sell Mundle as they prepare for life back in the Premier League and talks are ongoing over a new deal.
Last season, the Englishman was plagued with a hamstring injury, but impressed during his 17 Championship starts and scored five league goals across the course of the campaign.
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