Man Utd and Chelsea Target Sunderland Star Noah Sadiki Ahead of January Transfer Window
Premier League giants are reportedly in talks to sign the DR Congo midfielder after his impressive form at Sunderland.
Man Utd and Chelsea Target Sunderland Star Noah Sadiki Ahead of January Transfer Window
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly locked in talks to secure the signature of Sunderland’s rising midfield talent, Noah Sadiki, as both Premier League giants prepare for potential reinforcements in the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old DR Congo international has quickly become a standout performer for Sunderland since joining from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a £15 million deal this past summer. Sadiki has already started in all 15 of Sunderland’s Premier League fixtures this season, showcasing his technical ability, intelligence, and maturity well beyond his years.
According to Sky Sport Switzerland, Chelsea and United have both approached the midfielder’s representatives, signalling their intent to bolster their squads with young, dynamic talent. The Blues reportedly acted swiftly after Sadiki impressed during Sunderland’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on October 25. Meanwhile, United had reportedly expressed interest earlier in the season, viewing Sadiki as a more affordable alternative to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who was priced at over £100 million in the summer transfer window.
Sunderland, however, are in a strong negotiating position, with Sadiki having signed a five-year contract only months ago. The Black Cats are likely to demand a premium for one of their most important midfielders, especially given his immediate impact in England’s top flight.
Man Utd and Chelsea Target Sunderland Star Noah Sadiki Ahead of January Transfer Window
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has praised the youngster’s work ethic and willingness to learn since arriving in the Premier League. “We can forget that he is only 20,” Le Bris said last month. “He is a really good player. He has a different personality but I think he is really smart to understand what is needed to go further.”
Le Bris also highlighted Sadiki’s commitment to improving in all areas of the game. “He looks at what type of specific profile he needs to progress – technical, physical. You don’t always find the same profile with every player – he has his own characteristics but I think they fit well with the demands of the Premier League,” he said.
The Sunderland boss added: “At the same time, though, you have to have the mentality to learn and be aware of what the characteristics of your environment are and what you need to do to improve. What can I do to get better? What advice do I need to take from other members of the team? He has this combination of talent on one side, then on the other side, the ability to learn.”
Sadiki’s profile as a technically gifted, tactically intelligent midfielder makes him an attractive option for top clubs looking to strengthen their engine rooms. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are seeking to add depth in central midfield, with injuries and inconsistent performances affecting their current setups.
The DR Congo international is also set to miss Premier League action later this month as he jets off to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite this, both clubs are reportedly keen to secure a deal that could see him arrive in January, either permanently or potentially on loan to further his development in the English top flight.
For Chelsea, Sadiki offers a younger, more affordable alternative to established options, fitting into Enzo Maresca’s vision of building a versatile and technically capable midfield. Meanwhile, Manchester United view him as a cost-effective solution to strengthen their squad amid uncertainties surrounding their current midfield lineup.
With a strong combination of natural ability, professionalism, and hunger to learn, Noah Sadiki appears to be on the radar of some of England’s biggest clubs. How Sunderland manage negotiations will be key, as both Chelsea and United weigh up their options ahead of the January transfer window.
The upcoming weeks could prove crucial not only for Sadiki’s future but also for how two of the Premier League’s top clubs approach their squad-building strategy in the second half of the season.