It’s Surprising and unbelievable that Everton FC, Leeds UTD, and Newcastle UTD fans are demanding the signing of Muhammad Habib from Senegal immediately after watching Senegal vs England. The player who caught attention is actually Habib Diarra, a 21-year-old Senegalese international who plays for Strasbourg. He impressed in Senegal’s 3-1 win over England, scoring a goal and showcasing his skills.
Habib Diarra: The Player in Demand
– Current Club: Strasbourg
– Position: Right-wing
– Age: 21
– National Team: Senegal
Why He’s in Demand
Diarra’s performance against England has sparked interest from several Premier League clubs, including Leeds United, Sunderland, Fulham, and Bournemouth. Leeds United has already held talks with his camp, but no bid has been made yet. Sunderland, Fulham, and Bournemouth are also keen on signing him.
Diarra’s Stats Against England
– Shots on target: 2
– Shots off target: 1
– Ground duels won: 1
– Aerial duels won: 1
– Possession lost: 4
– Fouls: 4
– Was fouled: 1
– Interceptions: 1
– Dribbled past: 1
Muhammad Habib: A Different Player
There’s another notable figure with a similar name, Mohammed Habib, but he’s an Indian football legend who passed away in August 2023 at the age of 74. He was a skilled forward who played for India between 1965 and 1976, earning 35 caps and scoring 11 goals. Habib won a bronze medal at the 1970 Asian Games and was known for his exceptional skills on the field ¹.
It’s clear that the player in demand is Habib Diarra, not Muhammad Habib. Diarra’s impressive performance has caught the attention of several top clubs, and it will be interesting to see which team makes a successful bid for him ².
LEEDS UNITED HAS TAKEN A DRASTICAL STEP AHEAD OF OTHER CLUBS.
Leeds United chiefs are now concerned about their chances of Habib Diarra deal after twist
Will Butcher
5 – 6 minutes
Habib Diarra excited Leeds United fans on Tuesday night with his performance for Senegal against England at the City Ground and of course, his goal, as Senegal beat Thomas Tuchel’s side 3-1.
Leeds fans have urged The 49ers and Adam Underwood to sign Diarra after watching him shine in a Senegal shirt, only 24 hours after reports emerged that Leeds had tabled a £22m bid for the midfielder.
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Diarra has been immense over the last 12 months. Having broken into the Strasbourg side ahead of the 2022-23 season, Diarra has since been first choice for his boyhood side and is now club captain.
This season, he starred under Liam Rosenior and had a hand in nine goals as the Ligue 1 side almost qualified for Europe. But doubts over Leeds’ chances of doing a deal for Diarra are now creeping in.
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Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
There were doubts anyway. Strasbourg are delaying a reply to Leeds as they hope other clubs are tempted into a bid, following Leeds’ initial offer. They hope for a bidding war to increase the price paid.
Then, Premier League duo Everton and Brighton have been watching Diarra for months. Now, a report from Beren Cross on The Athletic states Leeds chiefs are growing concerned about their Diarra pursuit.
Cross reports that Leeds are worried about the direction of travel Strasbourg will take Diarra’s future in, and just how much Diarra will eventually go for as other clubs begin to show interest after Leeds’ bid.
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Diarra is a player Leeds have lacked since Daniel Farke arrived
A box-to-box midfielder, Diarra’s stamina allows him to have an impact in both boxes without breaking sweat. These days, midfielders are either attacking players or holding midfielders – unable to do both.
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But Diarra is a throwback to the old-fashioned midfielder, able to do both and would cope with playing in a 4-4-2 system. Yes, Ao Tanaka scored five goals last term, but they were from set-pieces or long distance.
Diarra will go beyond the striker, get into the box and try to score from open play, but have the energy and stamina to get back into midfield and defend the counter-attack. A no-brainer, if at all possible.
Leeds United’s retained list earlier this summer confirmed that Josuha Guilavogui would be leaving on a free transfer, but also 10 youngsters would be departing Elland Road.
Veteran midfielder Guilavogui was always expected to leave the club at the end of his contract, having put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season back in October when drafted in as emergency cover.
As things stand, he is one of possibly three senior players that will leave Elland Road on a free transfer. Junior Firpo and Sam Byram remain out of contract come June 30, and are both expected to leave Leeds.
However, 10 others will leave Leeds on a free transfer – from the U21 side. The likes of Luca Thomas after his loans at Halifax and York during 2024-25, as well as Ireland youth international Cian Coleman will go.
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Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images
Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images
Joe Snowdon confirms move to Ian Holloway’s Swindon Town
Joe Snowdon leaves Leeds without ever making a first-team appearance, but clocking up 32 for the club’s second string. The 21-year-old though did make the bench once, in the Carabao Cup under Jesse Marsch.
But the writing was on the wall for midfielder Snowdon, who only played a handful of games for Scott Gardner’s side during 2024-25. His contract expires this month and he has confirmed a move to Swindon.
It sees Snowdon link-up with Ian Holloway at the County Ground, in League Two. He said on Instagram: “Buzzing to be at this great club. Can’t wait to get going.”
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Snowdon the first of Leeds’ 10 youngsters to find himself a club
It sees Snowdon reunite with Sean McGurk, who left Leeds on deadline day in January 2024 – before going on loan to Yeovil during 2024-25. The midfielder is the first of 10 to confirm he has a new club.
Aside from Snowdon, Thomas and Coleman, Leeds are also waving goodbye to Harry Christy. Christy posted a touching message on Instagram following his departure from Daniel Farke’s side last month.
Connor Ferguson, Max McFadden, Dan Toulson, Amari Miller, Kris Moore and Joe Richards are also leaving the club this summer on free transfers – alongside Christy, Coleman, Thomas and Snowdon.
