Regis Le Bris outlines Habib Diarra’s next Sunderland challenge with ‘demanding’ verdict.
The Black Cats boss was delighted to have clinched the signing of the Senegal star.
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris is delighted with the acquisition of Habib Diarra and reckoned, “the fact he picked us shows he shares our ambition and vision”.
The Frenchman hailed the new signing as the perfect fit for the club after the Senegalese midfielder agreed a move to head to Wearside.
The 21-year-old completed a permanent switch from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg and became the second addition of the summer, following the permanent arrival of Enzo Le Fée.
Diarra made his first-team debut at the age of 17 and has gone on to make a century of appearances for Le Racing along with earning 11 caps for his country. One of his four goals for Les Lions de le Teranga was scored in a 3-1 international friendly victory over England last month.
Diarra’s addition bolsters the ranks in the early stages of pre-season but also adds significant quality to the squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
“We’re very happy,” said Le Bris. “We chose each other, but most of all Habib chose Sunderland.
“It’s normal for a profile like him to have interest from top clubs across Europe, and the fact he picked us shows he shares our ambition and vision. He immediately connected with the values of the club – strong team spirit, high energy, and leadership.
He can give a huge contribution to the group, because he brings qualities that align perfectly with what we’re building, both on and off the pitch, as we take this next step into the Premier League.”
Diarra’s move to the top-flight of English football represents a rapid rise in his young career to date, becoming a full-fledged international and bearing the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband for a Strasbourg side who finished in a Europa Conference League spot this season.
As evidenced by last season’s dramatic promotion via the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, this young Sunderland side have shown that they have no need to play with fear and Diarra will fit that mould in the squad. “Age is only a number when you have his personal and technical qualities,” Le Bris continued.
“Playing in that demanding position on the international stage, Habib proved he belongs to this level, the Premier League and perfectly fits to his profile.
“This next step – performing in a top league – is a big challenge, but it matches his ambition and his desire to keep progressing.”
In his most recent campaign, Diarra worked under the stewardship of former Hull City manager Liam Rosenior and was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the team forward for one of their most successful campaigns in recent history. That provides Le Bris with confidence that the 2024/25 season will be ample grounding for his introduction onto Wearside.
“Strasbourg had an excellent season, under an English manager who brought a high-intensity playing style,” added Le Bris.
“Habib understood his demands very quickly, those demands set a benchmark, putting him on the right track to deliver what will be expected at the next level. “Players who thrive in those environments often adapt well to the demands of this league.”
Diarra has leadership credentials, and a statistical profile that highlights him as one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football.
Born in January 2004 in Senegal and raised in France, Diarra’s football journey began early. He joined RC Strasbourg’s academy in July 2018 at just 14 and swiftly progressed through the ranks.
By October 2021, he had made his Ligue 1 debut aged 17, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
Since then, he has amassed more than 100 senior appearances in the French top flight – a milestone he reached in May 2025 – and was appointed Strasbourg club captain in August 2024, underlining his leadership at just 20.Internationally, Diarra debuted for France U21 in September 2023 before pledging his senior future to Senegal.
He now has 11 senior caps and four goals including a standout strike in a 3-1 win over England at the City Ground in June 2025.
Leave a Reply