Former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior’s captain at RC Strasbourg is Leeds United summer transfer target Habib Diarra.
Leeds United need to sign Premier League level players this summer and Diarra is a £22 million target for Leeds in the 49ers’ first season of being the ownership group of the club in the top flight.
It’s not necessarily a simple deal to complete as Graham Smyth believes there is still work to do on Diarra but the 21-year-old midfielder could be an exciting addition.
Currently, Strasbourg are stalling Leeds talks to sign Diarra but a deal could yet be struck for the Whites to bolster their ranks in box-to-box or attacking midfield with the Senegalese ace.
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Habib Diarra praise from Liam Rosenior will please Leeds
Despite there being more to do on the deal, Diarra has a release clause in his Strasbourg contract which Leeds could activate if they choose to.
Then, it will be about convincing the player to make the move from a club where he is extremely well thought of. It may not be easy if Rosenior’s praise of his captain is anything to go by.
Speaking in a press conference after his 100th appearance for the club, Rosenior said: “Yeah, no, for Habib it’s been amazing.
“At his age? To play 100 games for this club? A club that he’s been at since he was 14 years old? A club that he loves? “For him to be captain at his age says a lot about his character and mentality.
“I think he’s going to have an amazing career. He’s been magnificent in my time working with him and it was nice to see him with his family celebrating a really special moment.”
Diarra could become one of Leeds’ most expensive signings ever if they have to pay £22 million or more to secure a move for him this summer but Rosenior’s initial comments outline an exciting player with a lot of potential.
Rosenior was Hull boss last season, overseeing a 0-0 draw in Hull and a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road before a dismissal last summer for failing to make the play-offs, meaning his next role ended up being in France instead.
Liam Rosenior details Habib Diarra’s potential
Leeds fans are confused about Diarra but Rosenior has detailed in a separate press conference just what to expect and just how high quality he is — as well as his potential as a player.
The Strasbourg boss said: “He’s getting better and better and better. And stronger and stronger and stronger in his understanding of the game and his fitness
“I love Habib because he can be Mr. Angry sometimes, and he likes to have confrontations. He’s a winner; that’s why I made him captain.
“And he’s doing the club proud. He’s from this area, he’s from this region, and he’s a good kid with a lot of potential.
“And I’m delighted to be working with him. He’s another really, really positive thing in our season — all the players have been so far.”
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