Sky Sports: Sunderland Agree £17.5m Deal to Sign Midfielder | OneFootball

Sunderland Continue Bold Transfer Moves with Sadiki Deal

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has taken another significant step forward with the club agreeing a deal for DR Congo international Noah Sadiki. As reported by Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie, the 20-year-old midfielder is set to join from Union Saint Gilloise in a deal worth £15 million plus £2.5 million in potential add-ons.

Currently undergoing a medical overseas, Sadiki has agreed to a five-year deal that ties him to the club well into his prime years. This move signals clear ambition from the newly-promoted side, who are investing boldly to compete at the top level after their dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final.

Versatility a Key Factor in Recruitment

Sadiki, capped nine times by DR Congo, brings more than just youthful promise. His ability to operate across the back line and in holding midfield adds vital tactical flexibility to Sunderland’s Premier League project.

A source close to the deal told Sky Sports, “Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Noah Sadiki from Union Saint Gilloise. The newly-promoted side will pay £15m plus £2.5m in add-ons for the defender.”

Photo: IMAGO

It is that adaptability that appears to have caught the eye of Sunderland’s recruitment department. Managerial staff believe the player’s technical skill set and positional intelligence will complement the club’s progressive style of play and help establish a solid platform in the top flight.

Ambition Backed by Spending

Sadiki becomes the third confirmed signing of Sunderland’s summer rebuild. French midfielder Enzo Le Fée has already arrived for £20 million, followed by Habib Diarra for £30 million. With Sadiki’s signature, the club’s investment so far totals £65 million excluding add-ons, highlighting a proactive and aggressive stance in the transfer market.

Such expenditure is rare for newly-promoted sides, especially those climbing back into the Premier League after several seasons in the lower divisions. However, the Black Cats appear to be modelling themselves on successful examples of smart squad construction and are placing faith in youthful, high-ceiling talent.

Premier League Project Gains Momentum

While questions will rightly be asked about whether such a young core can handle the physical and mental demands of top-flight football, Sunderland’s long-term planning is unmistakable. Sadiki, like Le Fée and Diarra, represents more than just short-term reinforcement. These are players expected to grow with the project and, potentially, increase in value.

As one insider at the club noted, “He can play across the defence and holding midfield,” underlining the belief that Sadiki’s profile is tailor-made for the modern Premier League environment.

There is no doubt Sunderland fans will be buoyed by the intent shown so early in the window. More business is likely to follow, but for now, the arrival of Noah Sadiki offers both hope and excitement as the Black Cats prepare to return to the big stage.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is exactly the kind of transfer Sunderland fans dreamed of the moment that final whistle blew at Wembley. Noah Sadiki might not be a household name yet, but supporters who’ve tracked his development in Belgium and with DR Congo know he is a gem in the making.

The fact that we’ve beaten other clubs to his signature shows how far we’ve come. Just a few years ago, we were worrying about League One fixtures, and now we’re dropping £15 million on a 20-year-old international star. He’s quick, versatile and has that hunger that fits perfectly with the Sunderland spirit.

What excites many of us is that this isn’t a panic signing or a short-term fix. This is a player who can grow with the club, fight for the badge and help us establish ourselves in the Premier League. Alongside Enzo Le Fée and Habib Diarra, it feels like we’re building something proper here, not just surviving but looking to thrive.

The Stadium of Light will be buzzing when these new lads make their home debuts. After years in the shadows, Sunderland are finally acting like a Premier League club again. Let’s have it.