Regis Le Bris has expressed his satisfaction with Habib Diarra's recent performance, effectively hailing it as a "new start" for the summer signing. The Sunderland midfielder played a pivotal role in the team's dominant 3-0 victory over Burnley at the Stadium of Light on Monday.
Diarra's journey with Sunderland has been challenging since his arrival from RC Strasbourg in the summer of 2025. The 22-year-old Senegalese international, who signed a five-year contract, had his initial Premier League appearances cut short due to a groin injury sustained in training. This injury sidelined him for almost three months, causing him to miss a significant portion of the season. After recovering, he made a single appearance against Brighton in December before joining the Senegal national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Le Bris emphasized the support the club provided to Diarra during his injury and AFCON participation. He stated, "We spoke together this week about a new start," highlighting the mutual understanding and renewed focus. The Sunderland manager expressed confidence in Diarra's qualities as a player, noting his competitiveness, desire to win, pressing ability, and goal-scoring intent. Le Bris believes Diarra injects vital energy into the team, which is crucial in the league.
In the recent match against Burnley, Diarra's impact was undeniable. He contributed significantly to Sunderland's opening goal, with his strike deflecting off Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe. The goal was later credited as an own goal. Diarra then scored his first official goal for Sunderland just before halftime, further solidifying his influence on the game. Chemsdine Talbi's stunning goal in the 72nd minute sealed the victory for Sunderland.
Le Bris acknowledged Diarra as one of his first signings, emphasizing the tone he set for the team. He voiced his hope that Diarra would maintain this level of performance moving forward.
The win against Burnley propelled Sunderland to eighth place in the league standings. The team's unbeaten home record now extends to an impressive 12 league games. Le Bris urged his team to maintain their momentum and continue striving for success. He highlighted the strong connection between the team and the home crowd and the responsibility the players feel to deliver their best.
Diarra, who is 22 years old, has a diverse skillset and is capable of playing in several midfield positions. Prior to joining Sunderland, he captained Strasbourg and led them to secure European football. He has also represented France at the youth level before opting to play for Senegal, earning 11 caps for the national team.
Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland's Sporting Director, described Diarra as an exciting talent with over 100 senior appearances. Speakman also noted Diarra's leadership experience as captain in a top European league. He believes Diarra's quality and potential reflect Sunderland's ambition.