Who is Habib Diarra? The all-action midfielder Leeds United missed out on to Sunderland

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Habib Diarra is a midfielder Leeds United wanted to sign in the summer transfer window, but Sunderland beat them to it.

Leeds United are doing all they can in the summer transfer window to get the squad in fighting shape for the Premier League.

Daniel Farke has already made two significant signings by recruiting Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg on a free and centre-back Jaka Bijol for £15m from Udinese.

There’s still a lot of work to do, though, with a goalkeeper, striker and playmaker still high on the agenda.

A new all-action centre-midfielder is also wanted and Habib Diarra emerged as Leeds’ ambitious target before he joined Sunderland instead.

Here’s all you need to know about him.

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Who is Habib Diarra?

Mouhamadou Habib Diarra is a highly rated Senegalese midfielder who plays for French side Strasbourg.

Diarra was picked up by Strasbourg when he was just 14 years old and he climbed through the club’s youth ranks before making his debut in 2021 at the age of 18.

Though highly rated, it took another year for Diarra to break into the starting XI on a permanent basis but he has been a near ever-present since.

Despite his tender years, Diarra has already made over 100 appearances for Strasbourg and was named the club captain in 2024.

After playing for France at youth level, he switched his allegiance to Senegal, scoring in the historic 3-1 win over England in June.

Diarra’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed and now Leeds are trying to sign him.

Habib Diarra to Leeds United transfer news

Diarra has attracted a lot of interest, with Brighton reportedly trying to sign him in January.

Leeds’ return to the Premier League means they can now compete for such quality players and Diarra emerged as a possible target in early June.

Brighton, as well as Angus Kinnear’s Everton, were said to be interested, along with Eintracht Frankfurt, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Another report suggested Diarra’s representatives have made contact with Atletico Madrid, too.

Leeds were concerned they would be priced out of signing Diarra, with a £22m bid reportedly rejected.

Their fears would come to pass as Sunderland matched Strasbourg’s £33m asking price and beat Leeds to Diarra.

Leeds’ relegation rivals have got a player Liam Rosenior described as ‘magnificent’.

How old is Habib Diarra?

Diarra was born on January 3, 2004, in Guediawaye, Senegal. As of June 2025, he is 21 years old.

Habib Diarra height

Diarra stands at 5’10” tall.

Habib Diarra position

Diarra is primarily a central midfielder but has all the skills and qualities to operate nearly anywhere on the pitch.

Diarra has played in defensive midfield, attacking midfield and on both wings during his time at Strasbourg.

Habib Diarra salary

According to SalarySport, Diarra only earns £4,200 a week at Strasbourg. That seems unrealistically low but, if true, Leeds could offer him a humungous pay rise without going over budget.

Habib Diarra stats

Diarra’s career stats for club and country so far.

Habib Diarra Instagram and X/Twitter accounts

Diarra has an official Instagram with 129k followers @habib.diarra.38.

He doesn’t appear to have an official X, formerly Twitter, account.