Leeds United manager Daniel Farke and Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris
(Credit: Imago)
Aheed Abrar
Fri 27 June 2025 18:25, UK
Leeds United and Sunderland will be fighting to retain their place in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship.
Daniel Farke’s team beat Burnley to the league title last season by goal difference, while the Black Cats beat Sheffield United in the play-offs final.
The two teams will now evidently be looking to improve their teams to increase their chances of survival in the upcoming campaign.
49ers Enterprises must invest at Elland Road this summer, but it appears that Regis Le Bris’ team could beat the West Yorkshire outfit to a transfer target, potentially improving their chances of avoiding relegation.
Leeds United transfer target Habib Diarra
Leeds and Sunderland are interested in Habib Diarra. (Credit: Imago)
Sunderland want Habib Diarra as Jobe Bellingham replacement amid Leeds United transfer interest
Sunderland are looking to sign Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra amid interest from Leeds, according to Alan Nixon.
MORE LEEDS STORIES
The Sun journalist revealed on his Patreon (27 June) that the Black Cats are preparing a late offer of around £35million for the Senegal international as they look to replace Jobe Bellingham, who recently joined Borussia Dortmund.
It’s been claimed that while the Whites are interested in the 21-year-old, they’re offering less money, clearing the way for the Wearside outfit to speak to him as they line up the midfielder’s medical if their negotiations are successful.
Le Bris’ team and the West Yorkshire outfit will be fighting for their place in the English top flight next season, and Diarra’s potential arrival at the Stadium of Light may make their chances of survival more likely.
Competition (2024/25) Appearances Goals Assists
Ligue 1 26 4 3
Diarra’s Ligue 1 record last season.
Farke will be without Joe Rothwell in the upcoming campaign, and Josuha Guilavogui’s exit has also been confirmed, giving the Peacocks an evident priority to bolster their midfield.
The Whites were left short on options in the middle of the park last season after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, and a similar scenario in the Premier League may be detrimental.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke
Farke must push Leeds to sign Diarra. (Credit: Imago)
49ers should beat Sunderland to Diarra transfer at Leeds
Diarra appears to be a serious target for Leeds, as he’s been heavily linked with them in recent weeks.
The Senegalese midfielder has shown immense potential at Strasbourg, and it isn’t surprising to see Leeds and Sunderland competing for his signature.
It looks like the West Yorkshire outfit are potentially reluctant to match the Ligue 1 outfit’s asking price, which they should reconsider to avoid losing the 21-year-old to the Black Cats.
The Whites must take lessons from Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town, who were immediately relegated from the top flight last season due to an apparent lack of quality in their squads.
Farke can’t be left to fight for the Peacocks’ survival without adequate tools, and they may be jeopardising their chances of avoiding the drop as Sunderland prepare to seal a deal for Diarra.
The Elland Road faithful will undoubtedly be unhappy if the Black Cats secure the signing of the Senegal international, but it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
Related Posts