Leeds United chief Paraag Marathe and Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra
(Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Sat 28 June 2025 10:46, UK
Habib Diarra has been on Leeds United’s radar for several weeks as they eye midfield additions.
Jaka Bijol is the latest arrival at Leeds United, though that isn’t expected to be the case for long, with the Whites working on deals for several new players.
One of the players they had been linked with was Strasbourg’s Diarra, and they were even reported to have made a bid for the 21-year-old.
However, news broke overnight that the Senegal international had agreed on a move to Sunderland, though that didn’t mark the end of Leeds’ interest.
Habib Diarra Leeds United
Diarra looks set for a move to the Premier League (Credit: Imago)
Diarra subject of late Leeds approach
Sunderland have now arranged for Diarra to undergo a medical at the Stadium of Light, before putting pen to paper on a deal worth around £30million.
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Leeds’ initial bid was believed to be less than £20m, but according to Ed Aarons via X, the Whites then upped their bid to match that of the Black Cats, but Diarra preferred the move elsewhere.
Strasbourg Games Pass accuracy Goal contributions
Diarra 30 86.5% 9
Diarra thrived in Ligue 1 and could replicate that in the Premier League.
The 11-cap Senegal international also had interest from Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt, as well as Serie A giants AC Milan, but has opted for a move to Wearside.
After courting him for the majority of June, Leeds may wish they had pursued a deal earlier, having now looked as though they have missed out on what would have been a marquee signing for Daniel Farke.
Farke has to be backed this summer
Diarra now marks the second major Leeds United target that they have missed out on, after Caoimhin Kelleher opted for a move to Brentford.
Of course, that’s all according to reports, but if true, it showcases that the Whites need to move far sooner when it comes to their business.
Time is still on Leeds’ side to secure the necessary incomings ahead of their Premier League return, with plenty of work still to be done at Elland Road.
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