Sunderland Fans Breathe Huge Sigh of Relief as Stunning £35m Transfer Twist Emerges – Shock Replacement for Jobe Bellingham Could Be Headed to Wearside in Blockbuster Move!

Sunderland Plot Stunning £35m Swoop for Ligue 1 Captain as Jobe Bellingham Replacement – Premier League Rivals on Alert

Sunderland are reportedly eyeing a sensational £35 million move for **Habib Diarra**, Strasbourg’s dynamic young captain, in what could be their boldest transfer move yet. According to reliable insider Alan Nixon via *Patreon*, the Black Cats are actively pursuing the 21-year-old Senegal international as they search for a top-tier replacement for **Jobe Bellingham**, who recently completed a high-profile switch to Borussia Dortmund.

With Bellingham’s departure leaving a gaping hole in Sunderland’s midfield, sporting director **Kristjaan Speakman** is spearheading the push to secure Diarra’s signature. The player is said to be high on Sunderland’s wishlist, viewed internally as the ideal successor to the England youth star who, like his brother Jude, now calls the Bundesliga home.

Diarra, who captained Ligue 1 side Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior last season, featured 30 times in the French top flight, contributing four goals and five assists. His consistent performances were instrumental in helping Strasbourg secure Europa Conference League qualification, further raising his profile on the European stage.

Reports suggest Sunderland are not only prepared to meet Strasbourg’s valuation, but are also lining up a **medical** on Wearside, pending final agreement between the two clubs. The Premier League newcomers are determined to act fast, knowing full well that **interest in Diarra is fierce**. Brighton, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds United are all monitoring the situation.

The midfielder’s departure from Strasbourg appears increasingly likely. Club president **Marc Keller** confirmed on *RMC’s After Foot* show that Diarra is the only player the club has promised to release this summer:

> “When he extended his contract, we made a commitment that he wouldn’t leave until June 2025. If a suitable offer comes in, we won’t block his move.”

Diarra himself is reportedly **keen on a Premier League move**, which may give Sunderland the edge in negotiations, especially under the guidance of incoming transfer chief **Florent Ghisolfi**, who is familiar with the French market.

The Black Cats have yet to make any new signings since sealing their return to the Premier League, but a big-money Diarra deal would mark a seismic start to their transfer window. Meanwhile, **goalkeeper Marcin Bulka** of OGC Nice is also on Sunderland’s radar, with *Fabrizio Romano* reporting the Poland international is open to the move. Nice are believed to be holding out for €20m (£17m).

Additionally, forwards **Vladyslav Vanat** and **Armand Laurienté** have been linked with potential summer switches to the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland aim to build a squad capable of competing in the top flight.

Should the Diarra deal materialize, it would not only fill the void left by Bellingham, but also signal Sunderland’s ambition to stay and thrive in the Premier League.