Le Bliss has handed gold to a Sunderland star who is now worth more than Diarra.

In soccer, expectations change just like the wind. It wasn’t that way back that Sunderland followers needed to finish their lengthy keep in League One, and their hopes at the moment are tied to a top-10 end within the Premier League.

“We wish to win,” Dennis Sirkin stated after defeating Oxford United within the FA Cup, a Championship-style recreation loved by the gamers.

On the Stadium of Gentle, expectations modified and Regis Le Bris created one thing particular. The mixing of so many new gamers with the present gamers who’ve taken the membership to the highest stage has been nothing wanting spectacular. Lots of the different gamers have spent massive lately, however except for a depleted checking account and a ticket again to the second division, there was little to see.

Granit Xhaka is a sensation and a difference-maker, however his success shouldn’t be alone, with club-record signing Khabib Diarra additionally settling nicely into his function.

How is Khabib Diarra doing for Sunderland?

Diarra has had a harder time than most. The 22-year-old performed simply 9 Premier League video games earlier than taking part in in opposition to Senegal of their subsequent AFCON victory after being sidelined for a lot of the season with a groin damage.

However his high quality is beginning to shine. Praised by journalist Phil Costa for bringing “a lot energy and power from midfield”, Diarra joined from Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg for £30m final summer season, a shrewd deal on Wearside, however there’s a purpose Sunderland paid the large bucks and are assured his health and consistency will repay with high kind.

His versatility has already confirmed invaluable for Le Bris, and he’s additionally fast sufficient to play within the center or additional up the sphere and in addition do an amazing job on the suitable flank.

Diarra might turn out to be a report breaker, however he must bounce again after his first Check interval in England. In fact, Xhaka is the lynchpin and chief on the heart of the pitch, however one other of final summer season’s recruits has emerged as an much more precious member of the Black Cats crew.

Sunderland star value greater than Diarra

Of the various gamers who’ve discovered success on the Stadium of Gentle, Noah Sadiki would be the one with probably the most potential.

Sadiki, 20, accomplished a £15 million transfer to Sunderland from Belgian membership Union Saint Giroise in July 2025 and shortly turned a mainstay in the midst of the park, a relentless dribbler and tenacious defender modeled on Arsenal star Declan Rice.

It’s no coincidence that Sunderland endured a five-game winless run within the Premier League whereas Sadiki was away within the south to play within the AFCON within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the place they misplaced to Algeria within the Spherical of 16.

Le Bris praised his “uncommon” qualities and maturity, particularly at such a younger age, and is worked up to assume he’ll solely get even higher within the coming years.

However what’s much less fascinating is the truth that his growth has attracted curiosity from among the Premier League’s greatest groups.

Manchester United have already made a reputation for themselves. Actually, Sadiki’s contract is claimed to price £50m if he desires to signal him this summer season, though CIES soccer watchdogs consider he’s value round £43m, nonetheless greater than Diarra’s report charge.

Evidently, Sunderland have finished nice issues this season and their challenge is nicely positioned for stability within the Premier League this season and for years to come back.

Sadiki performed a vital function, coated lots of floor and performed with nice dynamism. It is a ability set that may take him “to the highest,” as journalist David Cartlidge stated.

Diara’s time has come. With consistency, his market worth ought to skyrocket.

However Sadiki has to this point been the person of the hour and Sunderland will lament the inevitable day when Manchester United or one other deep-pocketed crew strikes on.