When Sunderland secured the signature of Noah Sadiki for £15 million from Union Saint-Gilloise last July, few outside of Belgium realized the Black Cats had just pulled off the bargain of the season. Now, just five months later, the secret is out.
According to reports from Sky Sports and transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United are "all in" on the DR Congo international, viewing him as the perfect long-term solution to their midfield engine room. However, they aren't alone; Chelsea have reportedly made direct contact with Sunderland to enquire about a valuation.
The Breakout Season: Why Everyone is Watching
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been nothing short of sensational, and Sadiki is the heartbeat of that success.Anchoring a midfield alongside the experienced Granit Xhaka, the youngster has displayed a maturity that belies his 20 years.
Statistical Dominance: Sadiki currently boasts a 84.8% pass accuracy and is among the league leaders for recoveries per 90 minutes.
The Style: His relentless energy and ability to break up play have drawn frequent comparisons to N'Golo Kanté.
Versatility: While he excels as a defensive midfielder, his background as a full-back and centre-back makes him a "tactical Swiss Army knife" for any top-six manager.
Manchester United vs. Chelsea: The Battle Lines
Both clubs have been monitoring Sadiki for months, but their approaches have been slightly different:
Man United's Long Game: The Red Devils reportedly approached Sadiki’s entourage at the very start of the season. Under Ruben Amorim, United are searching for a creative yet combative midfielder who can transition play quickly. Sadiki is seen as a significantly more cost-effective alternative to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Chelsea’s Aggression: The Blues’ interest reportedly "exploded" in late October after facing Sunderland directly. Impressed by how Sadiki controlled the tempo against their own star-studded midfield, Chelsea delegates reached out to Sunderland officials immediately following the match to sound out a potential deal.
The Sunderland Stance: "Doing Well"
Despite the mounting noise, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris remains calm. Addressing the rumors this week, Le Bris noted that interest from clubs like United and Chelsea is simply a testament to the club's development.
"It’s positive for us. It doesn’t mean Noah will leave. It means we’re doing well with young players. That’s the market."
With Sunderland currently sitting 9th in the table and within touching distance of European spots, the club is under no immediate pressure to sell. However, a "mammoth" bid in January—potentially doubling the £15m they paid in the summer—might prove difficult to ignore.
Should Noah Sadiki stay at Sunderland to continue his development, or is he already ready for the pressure of Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge?