Tottenham and Everton stars respond to Habib Diarra’s ‘first steps’ at Sunderland
Habib Diarra’s first message to Sunderland supporters ahead of the new season caught the attention of several Premier League stars.
The Black Cats beat Leeds United to the signing of the Senegalese international, with Regis Le Bris’ side making serious strides in the summer transfer market after gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke‘s side were joined by Burnley in the automatic promotion spots last season, with the majority of supporters expecting Sheffield United to win the play-offs, but the Championship is never that simple.
Brighton‘s Tom Watson scored the all-important winner at Wembley to send the Black Cats to the top tier of English football, with Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Chemsdine Talbi, and Simon Adingra signed.
Despite all the new names, Diarra’s arrival has caused the most excitement at the Stadium of Light, and given his performances for Strasbourg over the last few seasons, it comes as no surprise.
Habib Diarra visits the Stadium of Light
Taking to Instagram (11 July), Diarra wrote: “First steps as a Black Cat, en citimini,” with Everton duo Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye liking the post, and Tottenham‘s Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert joining.
Le Fee also tagged new signing, Sadiki, simply asking: “Jet?” as the newly promoted side prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign alongside a host of new players.
Sunderland to push for Premier League safety
Football Insider verdict
Le Bris is already a much-loved figure at the Stadium of Light despite only taking charge last summer, and supporters will have every faith that he can keep the club in the Premier League next season.
Experienced signings need to be made if the Black Cats are to manage that, with Martin Allen even suggesting to Mackem News (8 July) the idea of signing Raheem Sterling on loan.
Man United’s Amad Diallo has already given Adingra the stamp of approval for his move to Sunderland, and there are likely more deals to be done before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund has been greatly felt by those back in England, especially with the midfielder already impressing at the Club World Cup in America.
The Black Cats have used that money to rebuild the squad, though, and the team have every chance of staying up in the Premier League for the first time since 2016.