Saudi club ‘to spend’ on Sunderland’s Habib Diarra after AC Milan and Atlético snub | OneFootball

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is attracting Saudi Pro League interest ahead of the summer window. Media Foot reports that an unnamed club has made the 22-year-old a priority target and is ready to invest heavily, with no formal bid yet, initial contact made and the situation still at an early stage.

Diarra joined Sunderland from RC Strasbourg in July 2025 for around £30m, a club-record purchase, after turning down interest from AC Milan and Atlético Madrid.

He impressed immediately on Wearside before a groin injury in September sidelined him for close to three months.

Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has re-established himself under Régis Le Bris, starting regularly and showing his quality in midfield.

Diarra is under contract until 2030, leaving Sunderland well placed should interest intensify. The club’s stance on a sale is unclear, but any move would likely require a significant offer given his deal and importance. He has made a strong impression in the Premier League since his return from injury, featuring in 14 matches this season and scoring against Burnley and Leeds United.

Source: Sunderland Echo