Sunderland have made headlines with a record-breaking agreement to sign Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra. The deal, reportedly worth £30 million including add-ons, marks the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Diarra, a 21-year-old Senegal international with 11 caps, has accumulated 102 appearances for Strasbourg, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists since breaking into the first team in 2021.
The Black Cats fended off competition from Leeds United for the highly rated midfielder. Diarra is expected to bring energy and experience to Sunderland’s midfield as the club aims to strengthen its push in the English top flight.
In another major development, Newcastle United have submitted a £50 million offer for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro.
However, Brighton swiftly turned down the bid, unwilling to part ways with the Brazilian forward at that price. The 23-year-old had an impressive 2024–25 season, netting 10 goals and registering six assists in 27 Premier League appearances.
Since joining Brighton from Watford in 2023, Pedro has amassed 30 goals and 10 assists across 70 matches in all competitions.
Newcastle’s interest signals a potential replacement for veteran forward Callum Wilson, who is set to leave the club on a free transfer.
Reports from Softfootball indicates that talks between the clubs remain ongoing and Chelsea have also entered the race for Pedro’s signature, complicating negotiations.
As the transfer window heats up, multiple Premier League sides are making bold moves, aiming to secure talent early and gain an edge ahead of the upcoming campaign.