Habib Diarra makes transfer decision as Everton eye coup
Everton, Brighton and Leeds United are reportedly keen on signing Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra this summer.
The 21-year-old is on the back of an impressive season in Ligue 1, scoring four goals and providing five assists from a midfield position.
Strasbourg are willing to sell the Senegal international this summer, with their president confirming that he’ll be allowed to leave should the right bid arrive.
Diarra wants Premier League move this summer
According to LeedsLive (25 June), the midfielder’s representatives are pushing for a Premier League move based on his recommendations.
Leeds made a £22million bid, which was turned down by the Ligue 1 side, but it is not far off their valuation of the 21-year-old.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 30 | 4 | 5 | 6 | – | 2,357′ |
| Coupe de France | 3 | – | – | – | – | 81′ |
Atletico Madrid are yet to make contact for Diarra, despite recent reports to the contrary.
Strasbourg could be looking for a bulkier transfer package that would include add-ons, as they’re willing to bet on his future success.
Everton must bring in Diarra to replace Idrissa Gueye
Diarra is the ideal replacement for Idrissa Gueye at Everton due to his dynamic skillset, youth and compatibility with David Moyes’ system.
At 21, the Strasbourg captain offers a blend of Gueye’s defensive tenacity along with attacking flair.
His nine goals and assists in Ligue 1 last season, plus three international goals for Senegal, showcase his box-to-box prowess, mirroring Gueye’s ball-winning intensity but with superior ball-carrying.
With Gueye, 35, nearing a potential Everton exit, Diarra’s versatility to play multiple midfield roles and his leadership – captaining Strasbourg at a young age – make him a long-term investment.
His arrival would complement Everton’s need for a creative, energetic midfielder to bolster their Premier League ambitions.
If the Merseyside outfit are indeed serious about securing his services, they must table a bid for him or at least open talks with his representatives, who should be willing.
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