Leeds United’s ambitious plans to reinforce their squad ahead of their Premier League return have hit a stumbling block, with their pursuit of Strasbourg’s dynamic midfielder Habib Diarra seemingly on thin ice. Reports suggest that the Whites, who clinched the Championship title last season, are facing challenges in securing the Senegalese talent.
Returning to the top flight with a point to prove, Leeds have been active in the transfer market. Under the guidance of head coach Daniel Farke, the club has already welcomed Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg and agreed a fee with Udinese for Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol. However, their efforts to land Diarra appear to be faltering.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who shone in Senegal’s recent 3-1 friendly victory over England, has been a key target for the Yorkshire club. Leeds reportedly tabled an £18.7 million bid, but as per Sky Sports, a deal now seems increasingly unlikely. Sources reveal that while discussions with Strasbourg are ongoing, negotiations with the player himself remain unresolved.
“Leeds have held talks with Strasbourg for Habib Diarra, but a deal currently looks unlikely. They are believed to have previously made an £18.7 million bid for the Senegal international. Discussions continue as the newly-promoted club look to strengthen their team,” reported Sky Sports.
Leeds’ summer strategy focuses on bolstering the spine of their squad, with a striker, centre-back, and goalkeeper high on Farke’s wishlist. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and Everton’s Beto are among the forward options being considered, but Diarra’s potential arrival would have added significant dynamism to their midfield.
Despite the setback, Strasbourg president Marc Keller has hinted that Diarra could still depart if the right offer materializes. “When he extended his contract, we told him he wouldn’t leave until June 2025. So if we get an interesting offer for him and for us, he could leave,” Keller stated on RMC’s After Foot show.
Diarra, who captained Strasbourg to an impressive eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, has already amassed 102 appearances for the French club since his debut in October 2021, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists. His performances have also caught the eye of Chelsea, another club owned by BlueCo, the consortium behind Strasbourg.
As Leeds continue their summer rebuild, the focus remains on securing key reinforcements to ensure they hit the ground running in the Premier League. Whether Diarra will be part of that journey remains to be seen.
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