Top five most expensive signings in Sunderland history

The Black Cats have reportedly broken another transfer record.

Despite a limited budget, Sunderland continue to spend big money. They have already signed many big stars. However in the past there have been failed signings as well.

But the Black Cats have continued to break the bank and bring in quality players. The newly promoted Premier League club have once again acquired a record signing this summer window. With that in mind, we take a look at Sunderland’s top five most expensive signings in their history.

Sunderland record top five signings

5. Jeremain Lens – £12.5m from Dynamo Kiev

Jeremain Lens can be termed as one of the worst addition to Sunderland’s most costly transfer signings. Despite being the ‘cheapest’ player on this list, Lens cost Sunderland £12.5 million. He only made 24 appearances for the team, scoring four goals throughout that time.

His skill was evident when he was on form, but he was not able to put up with his performance consistently. The player was eventually sold as the Black Cats desperately wanted to get rid of him.

4. Asamoah Gyan – £13m from Rennes

The next player on this list is Asamoah Gyan, a forward from Ghana. Gyan joined the club from Stade Rennais in 2010. But oddly, the following summer, he thought he was happier to play football in the United Arab Emirates.

He joined Al-Ain on loan for the season before deciding to make the move permanent in the summer of 2012. Despite making only 37 games for Sunderland in all competitions, Gyan helped the team recover some of the £13 million they paid in loan and transfer costs.

3. Didier Ndong – £13.6m from Lorient

Hadier Ndong must rank among the worst Sunderland acquisitions ever, if not as the worst. For a club-record transfer cost of £13.6 million, the Black Cats acquired Ndong from Lorient in 2016.

Despite playing 51 games for the team, Ndong was a complete failure. After two consecutive relegations which led the team to League One, the club were obliged to dissolve his contract just two years after he joined.

2. Enzo Lee Fee – £20m from AS Roma

For an alleged club record, Sunderland acquired Enzo Le Fee from AS Roma. After finishing fourth in the league, the 25-year-old played a crucial role in Sunderland’s win in the EFL Championship playoffs. The player had joined the Stadium of Light team on a six-month loan in January.

After a clause in his loan agreement was triggered when Sunderland won promotion, Le Fee signed a four-year contract. The transfer fee involved was reportedly worth £20 million.

1. Habib Diarra – £30m from Strasbourg

Habib Diarra, the most expensive player in Sunderland’s history, will reportedly join the team for a club-record £30 million from Strasbourg. Diarra scored seven goals in 2,969 minutes for the French club during a stellar Ligue 1 campaign.

Following a medical test over the weekend in Paris, Diarra has agreed to a five-year contract with Sunderland. Diarra will have big shoes to fill after the exit of Jobe Bellingham. Additionally, he is club’s record signing.

Sunderland have agreed a club-record £30m deal to sign Habib Diarra from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg 💰 pic.twitter.com/lT8y9ZZy5i

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 28, 2025

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