Saudi Pro League club ‘to step up’ pursuit of Sunderland’s Habib Diarra | OneFootball

Media Foot reports that an unnamed Saudi Pro League club have made Habib Diarra a priority target and are prepared to invest heavily to sign the Sunderland midfielder this summer.

The report says initial contact has been made, although there has been no formal bid and the situation remains at an early stage.

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

He impressed quickly on Wearside before a groin injury in September sidelined him for close to three months. After returning from the Africa Cup of Nations he has re-established himself under Régis Le Bris, starting regularly in midfield.

The 22-year-old is contracted until 2030, which puts Sunderland in a strong position if interest grows. The club’s stance on a sale is unclear, though any move would likely need a significant offer given his importance. He has featured in 14 Premier League matches this season, scoring against Burnley and Leeds United.

Source: Sunderland Echo