Leeds United chief Paraag Marathe Habib Diarra
(Credit: Imago)
Aheed Abrar
Sat 28 June 2025 14:51, UK
49ers Enterprises seem adamant as Sunderland are set to beat Leeds United to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg this transfer window.
Daniel Farke wanted the Senegal international at the Whites ahead of next season, but it looks like the Black Cats will take the bragging rights.
The West Yorkshire outfit undoubtedly need to reinforce their midfield if they hope to have the best chance of surviving relegation next season.
With Sunderland agreeing a £30m fee for Diarra, the Peacocks had reportedly looked to hijack the deal, but the 21-year-old preferred a move to the Stadium of Light, and sources in LS11 have now responded.
Habib Diarra in Leeds United kit
Leeds were interested in Diarra. (Credit: Hasan Karim)
Leeds United dismiss making second bid for Diarra after Sunderland transfer agreement
Leeds have denied making a second bid for Diarra after Sunderland reached an agreement, according to Ed Aarons.
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The Guardian journalist revealed on X (28 June) that sources at the Whites rebuffed claims that they tried to match the Black Cats’ offer for the midfielder.
Competition (2024/25) Appearances Goals Assists
Ligue 1 30 4 5
Diarra’s Ligue 1 record last season.
It feels like the 49ers are trying to save face after missing out on the Senegalese midfielder to Regis Le Bris’ team.
The Elland Road faithful will undoubtedly be unhappy that the West Yorkshire outfit took so long to negotiate a deal with Strasbourg and ended up missing out on the 21-year-old.
Farke will be fuming as Leeds miss out on Diarra transfer to Sunderland
Farke plays a major role at Leeds in approving incoming transfers, and the fact that the Whites were in negotiations for Diarra means the German manager was seemingly really keen on him.
The former Norwich City boss will hope the 49ers back him this summer with significant investment as the West Yorkshire outfit look to avoid immediate relegation from the Premier League.
Paraag Marathe has promised to back the 48-year-old head coach, but he will surely be fuming that the American owners were slow in their negotiations for the Senegalese midfielder.
Leeds will be without Joe Rothwell for next season after his return to Bournemouth, and Josuha Guilavogui has also left, leaving Farke with a dearth of options in the engine room.
The English midfielder was key for the German manager last season in the Championship-winning run after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
It wasn’t surprising to see the Whites making an effort to sign a highly-regarded talent like Diarra, but they have missed out on him to Sunderland, who won promotion to the Premier League after beating Sheffield United in the play-offs.
The 49ers can’t be hesitant with their transfer business this summer, as it could potentially make or break their season.
Who the West Yorkshire outfit will now target as an alternative remains to be seen.
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