Leeds United fans were left in shock on Saturday morning as Habib Diarra had some major news.
It was previously reported by journalist Alan Nixon that Sunderland closed in on a £35m deal for Diarra.
Despite being a key target for the 49ers, and Diarra in negotiations, a medical was supposedly booked with Sunderland, and this was all confirmed to be true by Fabrizio Romano, but for a £30m fee instead.
🚨🤍❤️ More on Habib Diarra and Sunderland exclusive story overnight.
Documents are being exchanged with Strasbourg, initial fee worth €31.5m plus €4m add-ons.
Medical already booked, here we go 100% confirmed. pic.twitter.com/9fHBUgQWPh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2025
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The deal came with plenty of surprise as it appeared as though Everton and Leeds were the frontrunners, with Atletico Madrid also showing interest.
But with a medical in place despite Leeds’ pursuit of Diarra being ‘imminent’, this is the real reason why Daniel Farke missed out on Diarra.
RC Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra.
Photo by Sathiri Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
The reason Leeds United missed out on Sunderland-bound Habib Diarra
It was certainly a shock to the system for Leeds as Regis Le Bris’ side came out of nowhere with the swoop of Diarra.
The 49ers’ efforts clearly weren’t good enough for Strasbourg to strike a deal, as Leeds only bid £24m for Diarra, which has been trumped by The Black Cats’ offer.
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Many will question how it got to this stage, as it looked so certain Diarra would be in the white of Leeds this summer.
But the real question is, did the Whites hierarchy feel as though they could match Sunderland’s £30m proposal?
Well, speaking to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed all and claimed whether the 49ers ever considered emulating the £30m offer.
“Diarra was and is well-liked by Leeds, but they never came close to matching their demands of £30million,” Bailey said.
“I am told that Leeds considered coming back having held talks, but Sunderland was already going quickly and down the line with him.
“£30m is a substantial sum for a Ligue 1 player, but he is a big talent.”
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Leeds will know Sunderland have signed a gem as the relegation battle heats up
It’s obvious to see that Diarra was a sought-after player, and Sunderland have done very well to secure his signature.
What’s special about Diarra is that at such a young age, he’s already shown incredible leadership skills after captaining Strasbourg on many occasions.
His status as a leader can play a big role in the Premier League relegation battle, which will no doubt involve both Leeds and Sunderland.
But more to the point is that the Mackams have signed a box-to-box midfielder who not only possesses defensive skills but is also a threat going forward.
Leeds fans thought Diarra was ‘perfect’ when he showed his class during Senegal’s 3-1 win over England a few weeks back, and it seemed as though he would suit Farke’s system to a tee.
But dramatically, it wasn’t meant to be, as not only have Sunderland landed a gem, they’ve now got every right to compete in the top flight next campaign.
This can now lead the Whites to alternatives, as an ambitious move for Douglas Luiz could come to fruition, but the failure to sign Diarra will hurt.