Sunderland have significantly increased Habib Diarra’s wages as part of the deal that brought the Senegalese midfielder to the Stadium of Light on a five-year Premier League contract.
Following their return to the English top flight, Sunderland secured the services of Diarra from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, where he enjoyed a standout season.
According to reports from Senegalese outlet D Sports, the Black Cats have rewarded their new signing with a substantial pay rise, reflecting his growing stature and the club’s ambitions at the elite level.
Previously earning €110,000 per month at Strasbourg, Diarra will now receive an estimated €330,000 monthly salary — equivalent to approximately £282,000.
This breaks down to around £70,000 per week, placing the 20-year-old among Sunderland’s highest earners, if not the highest.
The move underscores the club’s commitment to investing in top talent as they aim to cement their place in the Premier League following promotion.
Diarra arrives in England off the back of an impressive Ligue 1 campaign. Over the course of 2,969 minutes for Strasbourg last season, the dynamic midfielder scored seven goals, translating to an average of 0.21 goals per 90 minutes.
His productivity in front of goal compares favourably to that of Jobe Bellingham, Sunderland’s standout midfielder last season, who netted five times in 4,363 minutes — an average of 0.10 goals per 90.
While comparisons between leagues should be treated with caution, Diarra’s numbers highlight the attacking potential he brings to Sunderland’s midfield.
Known for his energy, versatility, and ability to drive forward with the ball, the Senegal international is expected to play a central role in the club’s Premier League campaign.
Sunderland’s decision to offer such a substantial financial package for Diarra indicates both the confidence the club has in the player and the competitive market for rising talent in European football.
For a newly promoted side, securing a player of Diarra’s calibre and offering top-tier wages is a clear statement of intent.
Diarra’s new weekly wage is also a sign of how much the Premier League’s financial power can transform a player’s career trajectory.
The leap from a modest French club to one of England’s most storied football institutions comes with both opportunity and pressure, and Sunderland’s management will be hoping that the midfielder adapts quickly to the pace and physicality of English football.
While official figures from Sunderland have not yet confirmed the details of the financial agreement, the reports from Senegalese media are consistent with the growing influence of data-driven contract evaluations and the increased transparency around player valuations in the modern game.
With pre-season preparations underway, Diarra is expected to integrate quickly into the squad and begin building chemistry with his new teammates.
All eyes will be on the young Senegalese star as he embarks on this next chapter in his career — one marked by high expectations, a new stage, and a salary that reflects both his talent and his potential.
