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Leeds United tried to sign Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra with an opening bid of £22million earlier in June, but he’s instead heading to Sunderland for a much bigger fee.
The Whites have plenty of work to do in their pursuit of transfers before the start of the Premier League season, but so do their promoted counterparts Sunderland and Burnley.
Given the need to improve in multiple positions, it was only a matter of time before Leeds saw their interest in a key signing cross over with one of the other two, Sunderland being the team in question here.
Sunderland agree £30million Habib Diarra deal after Leeds United’s opening offer
Earlier in the summer window, Leeds lodged an ambitious bid to sign Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra, with the fee amounting to just shy of £22million.
As reports were confirmed in West Yorkshire, it came with the caveat that Leeds weren’t optimistic of striking an agreement at that price for numerous factors.
(REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Now, though, the midfielder is set to move to a newly-promoted club, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Sunderland have now agreed a deal to sign the 21-year-old midfielder.
However, their fee comes significantly higher to what Leeds offered previously, with Sunderland and Strasbourg agreeing to a total package of £30.33million.
The Black Cats are also including a sell-on clause in the midfielder’s contract for any future sale from the Stadium of Light too.
Diarra’s move to Wearside leaves Leeds missing out on one of their early priority targets in midfield, but amid links to talented Union SG man Noah Sadiki and others, the focus definitely shifts now that their offer for the Senegal international was gazumped.
Leeds United forced to look at other targets as Diarra heads to Sunderland
Diarra could end up being an outstanding signing for Sunderland this summer, and it’s one that Leeds have definitely missed out on.
That being said, they’ve gone £8million higher than Leeds with their offer and Leeds might feel that it’s an overspend.
We’ll have other targets ready to be worked on after Diarra, and the fact that the club seemingly never seemed confident on this one suggests it’s hardly a major blow.
A great signing for Sunderland, but looking at the finances, it’s not one that Leeds fans should be losing sleep over just yet.
Kris Smith has been a dedicated LeedsAllOver writer and editor since the summer of 2020, stepping into the role just as Leeds United earned promotion to the Premier League under the legendary Marcelo Bielsa. Over the years, he has remained a constant voice at the heart of the club’s coverage, providing fans with breaking news, in-depth match analysis, transfer updates, and insightful commentary on the biggest talking points surrounding Elland Road.
What helps set Kris apart is also his deep personal connection to Leeds United. A season ticket holder in the South Stand for over a decade, he has experienced the full rollercoaster of emotions – from the highs of promotion and thrilling BielsaBall to the challenges of relegation scraps, ownership challenges and every chaotic day the club has to offer. This first-hand perspective allows him to blend analytical nous with the passion of a lifelong supporter, offering a unique and authentic voice in his coverage.
Whether dissecting tactical decisions, assessing player performances, or weighing in on any off-field developments, Kris approaches each topic with well-informed opinions shaped by years of matchday experiences. He isn’t afraid to voice strong viewpoints, whether positive or negative, ensuring his work resonates with fellow fans who value honest, engaged journalism.
Beyond just reporting, Kris has looked to gain strong rapport with the Leeds United community, contributing to the broader conversation with a mix of statistical insight and fan-driven sentiment. His commitment to covering the club through every high and low looks to see him solidify as a voice supporters can trust, who crave substance, credibility, and a genuine connection to the team they love.
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